Recycling toothpicks for more stable setting

By Alan Revere

Stone setters spend a lot of time figuring out ways to hold jewelry securely and safely. The goal is always the same: to secure a delicate, precious object firmly without crushing it or marring the surface. Countless pliers, vises, engraving blocks, ring clamps, thermoplastics, gadgets, and gizmos can be used as holding devices.

Ring clamps and engraving blocks are commonly used to hold rings for tasks such as pushing and hammering. But if the sides of a ring are not flat and parallel, it will slip out of the flat-sided jaws, often sliding up to a narrower point where the jaws can grab it securely. The resulting gap presents a problem for the setter. If the ring isn’t secured firmly, the top portion will flex under pressure and hammering, which makes setting more difficult.

A great solution is to quickly create a custom-fitted wedge made of toothpicks. Take a bunch of toothpicks, or sections of them, and shove them into place. The last few will tighten the bundle and secure the work. This results in a very solid foundation for procedures such as hammering and engraving, where no movement can be tolerated.

It’s no wonder the most creative setters do their best work after lunch.