CLAW SETTING FOR NON-FIREABLE STONES (INTERMEDIATE LVL)
Learn how to make a claw setting for stones that you cannot fire with a torch or a kiln!
This tutorial will walk you through building the claw setting entirely with silver clay - no soldering needed. This project can be tricky, so prior experience with silver clay is highly recommended! You can set any type of stone that has a flat back, such as cabochons, rose cut gems, gem slices - large or small. You can see some examples below!
This technique is great for oddly shaped stones that may be difficult to set flush or in a bezel type setting.
IN THIS TUTORIAL, YOU WILL...
Sculpt elegant, functional claw prongs directly from silver clay - no soldering or silversmithing
Shape and refine a custom base for your stone
Size and shape your stone’s base to account for clay shrinkage
Learn the key structural principles that keep prongs strong and secure after firing
Practice closing prongs for the best fit before final assembly
Securely set stones without adhesive
Discover where you can purchase gems
Get a list of everything you need with suppliers linked
This tutorial assumes basic understanding of silver clay (it's more intermediate level!). It will walk you through building the prong-setting pendant and finishing it after firing.
WHAT STONES CAN I SET?
Any heat sensitive natural/synthetic stone
Stones with a flat backing (without a pointy pavilion!)
Oddly shaped stones and regular shapes, with a flat back
Larger and medium size stones
Not suitable for diamond cut stones
Not suitable for stones with any cut that does NOT have a flat back
May be too fiddly for tiny stones
WHO IS THIS TUTORIAL FOR?
✨You have some experience with making silver clay jewellery
💎 You have previously attached parts using paste, slip or clay tack
🎨 You have a stone you want to set, but it cannot be fired
🚀 You want another way to securely set your stone without using bezels, needed soldering skills or epoxy
Or find a gem setting BUNDLE for more ways to add stones and for a great value here: GEM BUNDLE
Love learning alongside other creatives?
You can purchase this tutorial as a standalone lesson with permanent access for $24
Or, if you prefer learning inside a creative community with ongoing tutorials and feedback, you can join the Silver Clay Membership, where this tutorial is already available with a member discount! We have over 80 people inside!
Membership includes monthly new projects, support, and access to all included courses while your membership is active.
Choose the path that fits your creative journey!
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