Claw Mount Stone Settings

The following will give you some basic knowledge of how to set stones in claw settings. For further advice and details on jewellery making and setting stones see our selection of books.

How to Create

1. Whilst holding the ring in a clamp, place the stone in position. If necessary ease the claws out to allow the stone to sit at the correct depth or alternatively remove some of the metal from inside the setting using a suitable sized burr. If the claws are too long they may be cut to the required length using C123 side cutters.

2. Using a needle file, graver or burr, cut a fine groove in the claw where the girdle of the stone touches.

3.File the top of the claws to an angle of about 45 degrees.

4. Without using any undue force click the stone into position making sure that it is level. Using a pusher or stone setting pliers gently ease the claws over until the stone is sitting level and is held firmly in place.

5. Finally ease over the tops of the claws so that they are flush with the top of the stone, being careful not to mark the stone. File away any sharp edges and shape the claws to give a smooth round finish.

6. Polish the tips of the claws using a burnisher.