How to use snap tite settings:

Would you like to make jewelry that looks like a professional jeweler made it?  Either for yourself, gifts, or to start your own business. It is not as hard as you think!!

Snap tites are the easiest way to make jewelry,  like it came from a professional shop. Of course pratice makes perfect.

First you need to measure your gem to see what size setting you need. They need to be measured in millimeters since all gems (I've seen) sellers sell them by the millimeters(mm). This can be done with a caliper. Generally, the more exspensive caliper is better, you need to be at least close to your measurements. If the caliper can read at least .1mm,  it will work great, a manual read will work ok also as long as you can guess close to the size. You always try to use the same size setting as gem you have.

   Snap tites are supposed to snap right in and that's it. Well that only works for a perfect size gem. A perfect size gem is exactly the right mm and the edge of the gem comes to a point. Anything other needs help. The help needed is still easy to do.

   Setting a perfect size size gem:

1. You lay the gem upside down on a flat hard surface.

2. Press the setting onto the gem. You will hear a snap. Sometimes pressing hard but gently as to not press the setting too hard,  it will hit the suface and bend the prongs.

3. That's it your done.

Setting not so perfect gems:

It's easiest to make the setting to fit the gem before setting. With practice you will know how to bend the setting before setting. For instance, if the gem has a thick edge, it is easiest to take round nose plies and place one end on the inside (notch) of the prong and one one on the outside and squeeze a little. This will make the notch bigger to be able to fit a wider edge gem. The wider the gem the more you manipulate the setting notch. If the gem is a little smaller than the size setting you have you may need to bend all the prongs inward a little, if the gem is a little big you may need to bend them outward before setting.

Tips

1. After setting,  make sure the end of the prong is touching the top of the gem. If they are not use your pliers and from the bottom of the setting to the top and squeeze just enough to make the prong touch the gem.

2. If after setting, if your gem is not sitting centered, you can use your pliers to manipulate the to where it needs to be.

Tools Needed

Caliper (measuring device)

Pliers (any but gem setting pliers are best)

Optional Tools

Loupe - to see the quality of your gem

Pin Vise - I use to hold setting

Round Nose Pliers - to mold settings

Tweezers -easier to pick out gems