Using Glue Under Cabochons

by Judy Larson
Traditionalists tell us to never use glue when setting cabochons. While this is true for cabochons that perfectly fit the bezel, that rule can be broken without feeling guilty. Sometimes glue is helpful when setting a stone, especially if the stone does not sit flat in the bezel, the bezel was made a bit too large, or the cabochon is fragile.
Instructions
Rocks almost never sit flat in a setting and even when it seems they have been tightly secured within the bezel, they can still move or tip in the setting. Glue can fill the void on the sides of the base of the rock and hold it in place.
Judy Larson's Using Glue Under Cabochons  - , General Education, , using glue under cabochons
Judy Larson's Using Glue Under Cabochons  - , General Education, , using glue under cabochons
When making cuffs for a giveaway, red, blue, green and black calibrated cabochons were given as options but a few people requested more natural stones. There were several in my stash, but none were calibrated. They were a bit small and thin and would not fit well in the bezel settings already made. Of course, the winner of the giveaway chose a natural stone. A few pieces of wire were placed in the bottom of the bezel to raise the stone to the proper height. Glue held the wire as well as the stone in place until the bezel wire was pushed in.
Judy Larson's Using Glue Under Cabochons  - , General Education, , using glue under cabochons
Paua shell cabochons are quite thin. Even with they are coated with epoxy to help prevent breakage, when lifted to work better with the design of a piece, e-6000 can provide cushion behind the cabochon. It may not be as necessary in a pendant or earrings, but in a cuff, which can easily receive hard knocks, it is something to think about. Years ago, turquoise cabochons were set on top of sawdust or cardboard to provide cushion so the use of something to raise and/or cushion a cabochon is nothing new. E-6000 does not mold and deteriorate over time.
Judy Larson's Using Glue Under Cabochons  - , General Education, , using glue under cabochons
Judy Larson's Using Glue Under Cabochons  - , General Education, , using glue under cabochons

Materials

4mm Gold Filled Round Bezel Setting for Faceted Gemstone - Pack of 10
J2-57
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $5.97
  • Gold Club Price: $4.48
Out of Stock
6mm Fine Silver Bezel Cup - Pack of 10
F9-02
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.98
Out of Stock
8mm Fine Silver Bezel Cup - Pack of 5
F9-03
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.98
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Tools

E6000 Adhesive Glue 3.7 oz. - Pack of 1
G16-18
  • G16-18
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $8.99
  • Gold Club Price: $6.74
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education