How to Use Ribbon Bezels

Wrapping Cabochons with Lace Ribbon Settings

Skill LevelBeginner

Time1-3 Hours

Ribbon bezels offer a decorative way to create settings for stones and cabochons. The ends can be soldered together or wire wrapped together to form the settings. The instructions below describe how to wire wrap the ribbon bezel to form a setting. Follow these helpful instructions to use brass ribbon settings to add a touch of beautiful class to your designs.

Step-by-Step Instructions Expand All Steps

To get a an accurate measurement for the bezel, cut a small strip of paper. Wrap the stone with the strip and with a pencil mark the strip where the end overlaps.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 1

Unroll the ribbon bezel and lay it flat. Use your paper strip to measure the length of ribbon. Keep in mind that you will want to add approximately 1/8th of an inch to each end to create your bail and you will need a good place to insert the wire to wrap the ends together, so it is best to cut the ribbon at a place where the ribbon has an opening or loop at each end. Also try to keep in mind where the prongs will end up after the stone is wrapped.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 2

Cut the ribbon with a pair of side cutters to the appropriate length.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 3

Bend the lower teeth of the ribbon to a 90 degree angle with a pair of chain nose pliers to create a seat for your stone.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 4

Encircle the stone with the ribbon, pressing it snug to the stone with your fingers. Note that approximately 1/8th of an inch on each end of the ribbon will become your bail so it will be a little longer where the ends meet.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 5

With a pair of chain nose pliers make a 90 degree bend approximately 1/8th of an inch from each end to create the bail. When doing this be sure that your stone fits snugly in the bezel. You can do this by pinching the ends together with a pair of nylon jaw pliers. Adjust the bend, if necessary, till you have a tight fit.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 6

Cut a 3 to 4 inch length of wire. Twenty to twenty-two gauge works best. Make a 90 degree bend about 1/2 of an inch from one end of the wire.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 7

With a pair of round nose pliers, grip the wire at the bend, using the smallest end of the pliers. You will want to hold your pliers in a vertical position so that one barrel of the pliers is above the wire and one is below the wire.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 8

With your fingers push the shorter portion of wire up and over the top barrel of the pliers until it is facing downward.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 9

At this point, you may want to switch hands. With a pair of chain nose pliers you will want to grip the shorter wire where it meets with the round nose pliers and make a bend to match the other side.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 10

Thread the shorter end of the wire through the loops at the ends of the ribbon where you want your bail.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 11

With a pair of nylon jaw pliers squeeze the two wire ends together as close as possible. Trim the shorter wire end to approximately 1/8th of an inch or to whatever length you want your bail to be.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 12

Finish making the bail with a wrapped loop making sure to include the shorter wire end under your wraps. Trim the excess wire with a pair of side cutters and tuck in the tail.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 13

Curve the upper teeth over the stone with a burnisher or the ends of your nylon jaw pliers.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 14

Here's an example of the finished product.

Using Ribbon Bezels Step 15

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Nice choice! All or most of the products needed for this project are shown below with quantities. Sometimes we sell out of components and aren’t able to order more from the manufacturer (we know, it is very disappointing to us, too). Use the opportunity to mix up the design and make it yours by substituting similar products or altering the entire color scheme—it’s up to you!

German Chain Nose Pliers

Code TOOL-500

$28.79

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German Side Cutter

Code TOOL-503

$35.79

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Nylon Jaw Jewelry Pliers

Code TOOL-105

$16.09

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German Round Nose Pliers

Code TOOL-502

$28.79

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18mm Round Glass Cabochon - Amethyst Opal

Code GCRD-OAMY18

$2.67

$5.29

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Artbeads Designer Wire - Gold Non-Tarnish 20 Gauge (21-foot spool)

Code ADW0034

$4.99

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