Question About Wire Bezel Netting

[DawninCal]

I've been working on wire netting bezels for cabs and after much practice am pretty pleased with the results I'm getting. I have one question about this technique.

How securely should the cabs be held in the netted bezel? My cabs are secure and won't fall out but if someone really wanted to they could manipulate the wire (pull, push and squish) until the cab came loose. I've been using both 28 and 26 gauge wire.

Is that the norm or am I doing something wrong?

Cat, I'll bet you know the answer to this one!



Dawn

[caeterle]

I would prefer 26 gauge to the 28 gauge wire. I have used 28 gauge, but not for open bezels, only to cover the whole stone (kind of like a spider web).
Do you have a thicker wire frame for underneath the cab to which you add the bezel or how do you do it?

[DawninCal]

Sorry for not responding sooner, Cat. I forgot that I posted this question!

I made a 20 gauge frame underneath the cab and the thinner wire is attached to it. Also, after all the practice pieces, I decided that 26 gauge works better than 28 because it's more sturdy.

I'll post a pic tomorrow if that would be helpful.

The netting is so pretty, but I want it to be functional too!



Dawn

[caeterle]

Yes, that's what I thought. Stick with the 26 gauge, Dawn.

Here's an example of 28 gauge covering a whole stone to keep it safe.

[DawninCal]

Ooooh, that's pretty, Cat. Reminds me of a graceful spider web.

Here is my pendant. The netting goes around the outside like a frame and I'd really like to not cover up any more of the stone. The stone is secure; it's not going to fall out or anything like that. But, if someone wanted to work at it, they could bend the wire enough that the stone would not stay in place.

If I were to keep this, I'd wear it knowing that the stone wasn't going to fall out, but I'm not rough with my jewelry. My concern is that if I were to list a piece like this, I can't guarantee that the stone is secure because I don't know how roughly someone else would handle the jewelry. I could see a kid getting hold of it and fiddling around enough to cause the stone to fall out of the setting.

I've seen netting like this that just goes around the stone and I guess what I'm wondering is if they are really solid or if that's just the way this type of netting is and it's understood that people aren't supposed to handle in a rough manner.





Thank you for your help Cat and anyone else who has opinions/suggestions. If a photo of the back is needed, let me know.



Dawn

[caeterle]

It's a beautiful stone, Dawn, and your netting is beautiful, too! I admit, however, that I wouldn't feel safe like this. Like you said, if it was for myself, that's one thing, but not for someone else. If I was working on that, I would add a second row. Just my opinion.
In wire crochet or knit I usually choose the safe side and add an extra row, too.

What's nice about netting is that it covers the stone, but still lets you see through.

[DawninCal]

I figured that's what you were going to say, Cat. It's too bad because I really like the look of one row, but security is more important. I don't want to change this pendant, so I think I will keep it for myself. With pendants, I want to list, I will add the extra row(s). I might play around with 24 gauge and the one row technique. It's pretty soft to work with but it would be sturdier than the 26.

Thank you for your sweet words about the pendant, Cat! When I look at the stone, I see mountains and a tree. I'm going to attach a dangling bead to that loop at the bottom - maybe lava rock.



Dawn

[caeterle]

That's totally what I see, Dawn! I love a dangle at the bottom of pendants, lava sounds like a good choice. I could also see it with a crystal drop (I'm a sucker for drops ).

[DawninCal]

You know, I'm sitting here making a supply list - will add crystal drops!



Dawn