Setting Cameos

The Best Ways to Set Cameos

I've been seeing a lot of beautiful cameos out there as well as some settings.

I was wondering what you do to mount a cameo to your setting.

Is it a special kind of glue? How do I make sure it’s secure?

Also if I want to use wraps on my gemstone or glass pendants, how do I attach them securely?

Thanks so much!

Allison

There are at least three ways to mount a cameo: with glue, a snapset or wire wrap.

Gluing Cameos

If you have a flat setting that fits your cameo (i.e. without prongs), you need glue to secure it in place. Place a dot of glue at the center of the cameo’s back and spread outward with your fingertips. Place the cameo into the setting, press down and remove any glue that oozes out.

Let the glue set according to manufacturer’s instructions.

The jeweler’s glue of choice is E6000. Its consistency is good for spreading. Any excess that oozes out can be rubbed away with your fingertips because it balls up like rubber cement.

E6000 dries clear and remains clear over time. Finally when dry, it still has a bit of a rubbery consistency which acts like a shock absorber should you drop your cameo.

he only caution I can think of is to make sure the glue is compatible with the cameo material. E6000 dissolves Styrofoam and can damage very light plastic.

Setting Cameos in a Snapset

Snapsets are pronged findings which can be used to set stones or cameos. If you can find one to fit your cameo stone, all you need to do is push the cameo gently until it pops into place.

The prongs are adjustable and flexible. If they are too loose or tight for the cameo, adjust then gently with your thumb or rubber-tipped jeweler’s pliers.

A snapset cameo can also be wrapped with wire as is demonstrated in this tutorial for a Wire Sculpture Pendant.

You can see more examples of wire-wrapped snapsets here.