Ask the Experts Gluing a Cabochon Q&A

I have two questions:

1) How do you glue a cabochon into a setting that doesn't have a back? If I glue around the edge, I still have problems with it being too easy for the cabochon to come off.

2) Besides the metal settings that are sold, are there other ways to create a setting that would allow a cabochon to become a pendant without drilling a hole in the cabochon? Thanks.

- Beth

Glue-in settings have enough gluing surface area for the cabochons to fit. Make sure to use the proper glue for the job. Learn about the best glue to use for various materials in the "Glue Types and Information" chart.

Another option for setting cabochons are the no-glue Cab-Tite™ settings. They make setting cabochons a breeze as all you need to do is snap the cab into the setting with your fingers, make adjustments to the prongs as necessary, and then it's ready to wear. They come in both pendant and earring versions.

You can also make your own cabochon setting by wrapping it in wire. Or glue the cabochon to Lacy's Stiff Stuff™ and use a beading needle, thread and seed beads to bead-embroider or peyote stitch a bezel as in the ornate triple-strand necklace listed below.