Setting and gluing stones
Setting and bonding stones at SMV Thailand
At SMV ThailandThe setting and bonding of stones are key stages in the manufacture of your jewellery.
Spécialisés dans la production à partir de la technique de la fonte à cire perdue, nous utilisons principalement des pierres adaptés à cette technique de fabrication.
Hand-setting allows these stones to be set with precision in brass or silver frames, guaranteeing a lasting hold while enhancing the brilliance of each piece.
For creations requiring greater flexibility, our bonding technique can be used to position decorative elements or synthetic stones where conventional setting is not suitable, while ensuring a sturdy hold.
These processes, mastered by our Franco-Thai team, enable us to offer a wide range of affordable jewellery that meets our customers' demands for quality and design.
The different stages in setting and bonding stones
1. Preparing the frame
Crimp The jewel's setting is carefully crafted from metal (brass or silver-plated). Cavities or claws are created to accommodate the stones.
Gluing The surface where the stone will be bonded is cleaned and prepared to ensure good adhesion.
Gluing The surface where the stone will be bonded is cleaned and prepared to ensure good adhesion.
2. Stone selection
The stones are chosen according to the design of the jewel. Their size and shape must match the dimensions of the cavities or bonding areas.
3. Positioning the stones
Crimp The stones are placed in the cavities or between the claws provided. Great precision is required to ensure that the stones fit properly.
Gluing Specialised adhesive is applied to the fixing area and the stone is carefully positioned to ensure it is centred and stable.
Gluing Specialised adhesive is applied to the fixing area and the stone is carefully positioned to ensure it is centred and stable.
4. Mounting
Crimp The claws are folded and gently pressed around the stone to hold it firmly in place.
Gluing Once the stone has been positioned, it is left to dry or harden, depending on the type of adhesive used. The process can be accelerated with specific drying techniques.
Gluing Once the stone has been positioned, it is left to dry or harden, depending on the type of adhesive used. The process can be accelerated with specific drying techniques.
5. Checking alignment and fit
Each piece of jewellery is inspected to ensure that the stones are properly aligned and firmly attached, whether by setting or gluing.
6. Polishing and finishing
After the stones have been applied, the jewel is polished to ensure that there are no scratches or imperfections. This gives the jewel a smooth, finished appearance.
7. Quality control
Each piece undergoes rigorous quality control to check the solidity of the stones and the finish of the jewellery.
Advantages of setting and bonding stones
For bonding stone :
Design flexibility
Bonding gives greater freedom to integrate stones of varied or irregular shapes into complex designs, where setting would be technically difficult or impossible.
Speed of
production
Stone bonding is a faster process than stone setting, which means that parts can be produced more quickly, particularly in mass production.
Discount
costs
Unlike crimping, bonding requires less craftsmanship, which can reduce production costs. This makes it an ideal option for costume jewellery, which is often produced in large quantities.
For setting stones :
Solidity and durability
Crimping, particularly with claws, allows the stone to be fixed securely without exposing it to chemicals or adhesives. This ensures that the setting lasts longer, even after daily use.
Elegant design
Setting often leaves more of the stone's surface visible, which can enhance its beauty and brilliance. It also allows for more sophisticated and refined designs.
Stone protection
Depending on the type of setting, in particular the closed or bead setting, the stone is partially or totally surrounded by metal, protecting it from knocks or scratches.
Your questions about setting and bonding stones
What is stone setting?
Setting is a technique that involves attaching stones to a piece of jewellery using claws, rails or other metal structures to hold the stone in place.
This guarantees secure fixing while enhancing the stone.
What's the difference between setting and bonding stones?
Setting uses mechanical techniques to attach the stones, while bonding uses a specific adhesive to fix the stones to the jewellery. Bonding is often used for delicate stones or for styles where mechanical setting is not suitable.
What types of stone are used for setting and bonding?
At SMV Thailand, we use synthetic and costume stones for our jewellery, as we do not work with precious or semi-precious stones. The stones are chosen for their aesthetic appeal and durability.
Is stone bonding durable?
Yes, if bonding is carried out correctly using quality materials, it can offer comparable durability to crimping. However, for jewellery subject to intensive use, crimping is generally preferred.
Does setting or bonding affect the aesthetics of the jewellery?
Each method has its own aesthetic advantages. Setting enhances the stone by leaving it more exposed, while bonding can offer more varied and subtle design possibilities, particularly for small or intricately shaped pieces.
Find out about our other expertise
At SMV Thailand, we are proud to master both traditional and modern skills in the creation of our exceptional jewellery.
Our expertise covers a wide range of techniques, including :
Setting and bonding stones at SMV Thailand
At SMV Thailand, we master both the setting and bonding of stones to create costume jewellery.
Thanks to our expertise, we can offer different fixing techniques to meet the design and durability requirements of each project.
Whether it's mechanical setting, which enhances the stones while ensuring a solid bond, or bonding, which is ideal for more delicate creations, we guarantee a result that lives up to our customers' expectations.
