Just a few days ago I finished setting two vintage glass cabochons from a friend. First the sketch of the setting. This is where I try to decide how big, what gauge metal, where the stone will go, and where the prongs will go but most importantly for me is what and where the bail will go. I decided to use a riveted bail so I made sure to design the back plate for it. Okay...sawed the shape and center punched where the prongs will be placed. I drilled holes so that an 14 gauge wire would fit nice and snug. Next, solder, pickle, solder, pickle, and finally cleaning it up! Yes...I had to solder a few times. Sometimes those suckers do not want to stay put. Not my fault at all! hahaha!!! Finally I get to patina, buff it up, rivet the bail, and now it is time for it to receive the vintage glass. The setting of the stone or piece is always last. Which means...this is also the point...
Nothing is perfect. Nothing is permanent. Nothing is complete.