Setting these stones
Although some of the stones shown at this site
require a custom made setting, many of them can be set into
"calibrated" commercial mountings. Stones with a bascially round
outline (like hexagons, pentagons, octagons, etc.) will usually fit a
round setting within 0.2 mm of their measurements. For example, a 5.8
mm hexagon should fit nicely into a 6mm round setting, while a 5.1 mm
octagon will fit a 5mm round. A similar situation exists with
rectangles and squares. Stones listed as "Barion" cuts are deeper and
fuller in the pavillion than non-Barions of the same face up
dimensions--usually they will set in the next larger size mounting.
Likewise, cut corner triangles should go in a setting one size larger
than their actual tip-to-tip dimension.
Inexpensive, prenotched, polished, settings are
available from several vendors and the setting process takes only a
few simple tools. In cases where stones are slightly different from
calibrated sizes, it is often possible for a jeweler to adapt a
pre-made mounting at relatively low cost.
A company called Tripps located in New Mexico,
is my favorite vendor of such settings, Here's a link to their
website where you can request a catalog and view their wares which
are available in 14k white or yellow gold or Sterling silver, in a
huge variety of standard sizes and classic styles. They also offer a
reasonably priced beginner's gem setting video and tool
kit.
http://www.tripps.com
What about stones that aren't
calibrated?
If you've picked out a stone and would like to
have a custom jewelry piece designed around it, the best option is to
go to a trusted custom jeweler or metalsmith in your local area. That
way you can work step by step with him or her as the piece is drawn,
and fabricated or cast, and the stones set -- approving and/or adding
suggestions or changes all along.