All About Bezels
|
Most people have heard the word “bezel,” but not everyone knows all the ways it’s used. It can describe the rim around a watch face, a frame for the screen, like on your phone or computer, or the setting that secures a gemstone. In jewelry, a bezel is essentially a thin metal border or edge that surrounds a stone, holding it safely in place. The photo above shows several bezel styles I use in my jewelry—full bezels, open-backed bezels, and cup bezels. While their appearances vary, they all share one feature: a top edge that is crimped over the gemstone to keep it firmly positioned within the setting. |
The open-back bezel on this reticulated sterling pendant captures and reflects light through the facets of the ~3 mm sky-blue topaz, bringing out its vibrant color and lively sparkle.
Malachite and reticulated sterling silver are a beautiful pairing. These disc earrings feature malachite cabochons set in decorative cup-style bezels, making them a versatile and timeless addition to your jewelry collection.
As with all bezel-set jewelry, the top rim is pushed down and inward—using a bezel pusher, burnisher, or tiny hammer—to secure the stone.
A touch of 14-karat gold fill adds shimmer to this handcrafted citrine pendulum. The 8 mm round citrine sits in a sleek, modern open bezel that reveals the stone’s brilliance from every angle.
This bezel is a little different—it has an open back, but the Ethiopian opals are secured with small prongs. The round discs feature holes cut into the reticulated silver behind the stones, allowing light to pass through and showcase their beauty.
Silver fusion over copper creates an artistic backdrop for a luminous 6 mm freshwater pearl. The pearl is set in a solid-backed cup bezel, which is riveted securely to the pendant. It’s a perfect example of how bezels can be both functional and beautiful, bringing out the best in each gemstone.
Shop Sterling Fusion w/Freshwater Pearl
|
|
|
|
Add a comment