How to Set In Pre-Notched Settings

Pre-notched settings are a great and easy way to set faceted gemstones. A pre-notched setting has claws with little grooves (notches) already cut into them to save you time in having to create the notches yourself in clawed settings.

They are made so that the edges of your chosen faceted gemstone rest within the grooves and the stone is held securely in place. These wonderful settings show the gemstone off with maximum light coming through to the stone - adding extra sparkle.

Our selection of pre-notched settings give you the options to create pendants, earrings and rings in either 925 sterling silver or 14ct yellow gold. This style of setting comes in a variety of different sizes and with different connector fastenings.

Here we show you how to set a faceted gemstone in a pre-notched setting with easy to follow, pictured step-by-step instructions.

Recommended Supplies

Pre-notched setting - select the relevant setting for your design.
Faceted stone - select the correct size stone for the setting, on our website you can search our faceted gemstone collection by size or colour.
Snipe nose pliers - for gently pushing some of the prongs open a little wider.
Pusher - to allow you to easily 'push the claws' exactly where they need to be.
Flat needle file - for neatening prong settings after setting.

Step 1

Place your chosen faceted stone into the setting - it is common at this stage to need to open the prongs a little wider so the stone goes in easily.

Use some snipe nose pliers to gently push a couple of the prongs open a little wider.

Step 2

When the stone is in the setting ensure that the outside edge of the stone is sitting within the grooves (this is the 'pre-notched' bit) of the prongs.

Make sure that the setting is a good fit and the stone does't rattle about too much. If it is a little loose you may need to just gently adjust one or two of the prongs by using your pusher to push them closer to the stone and hold it tight.

Step 3

Use a pusher to gently push the prongs over the top of the faceted stone, being careful not to mark the stone or bend one prong more than others causing the stone to sit off centre. We recommend working your way around the setting by pushing opposite prongs, adjusting a little bit each time to make sure that there is even pressure across the top of the stone and that the stone is held nice and secure.

Create Your Own Pre-Notched Jewellery With Kernowcraft

Pre-Notched Settings

Shop our range of sterling silver and 14ct gold pre-notched settings for setting faceted stones into with little or no preparation needed. Including loose settings, rings and earstuds to use with your favourite faceted stones.

Faceted Stones

Choose from our large range of high quality faceted stones in a range of shapes and sizes to suit your needs. These can be set in our range of settings for faceted stones.

Pusher

Use a pusher (also known as a prong pusher) to simply push claws and bezels over stone during setting. The square metal rod is slightly rounded on the corners and polished on the end to minimise setting marks and scratches.

Needle Files

If you have made a few marks on the metal whilst pushing the prongs over the stone you can use a flat needle file to make each prong nice and tidy.

Be inspired...

Here are some examples of our pre-notched settings with a selection of our gemstones set in them. Click on any of the images to view the setting.

Sterling silver Pre-notched Ring Setting for 5mm faceted stone

Sterlinf silver Pre-Notched Pendant Setting Example

Sterling Silver Pre-Notched Ring Setting Example

Also in this section:

HAVE A QUESTION?

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team who will be more than happy to give you advice over email or on the phone.

You can learn more and find inspiration by visiting our Jewellery Making Tutorials, Jewellery Making Kits and YouTube Channel. Don't forget to follow us on social media and tag us in your designs on Instagram & Facebook, we would love to see!

What Our Customers Say...

Gloria Williams

I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!

Lenna

Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.

Lauren Jodie Piercy

Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.

I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!

Lydia Farrow

Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.

Claire

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.

Christine Wood

Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.

Vivienne Sadler

Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!

Sarah Tiley

Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.

Jaquie

It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.

Lynn Carson

I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.

Maggi Henman

I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.

Rhiannon Piper

The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.

Julia Schofield

I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.

Claire Hall

Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!

Marshal

Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.

Helen Bowles

I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.

George Inglis

Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.

Daniel Coe

The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.

Mihaela Ciubotaru

I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.

Denise Mountain Pike

I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

Hayley Meredith

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft. I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!

Jenny Kirkwood

Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?

Helen

Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!

Frank Wilson

It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!

Deborah Roberts-Barter

I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!

Eve

The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!

Janice Scragg

Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!

Kim Thomson

I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.

Catherine Warwick

Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!

Catriona

Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.

Frank Wilson

I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.

Dorota Todd

I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.

Joel Martin

Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!

Jill Hammersely

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.

April Luescher

Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?