Here you will see 4 ways to embed crystals, and also the way to open the prongs.
The tools:
Pointed nose plier
Flat nose plier
Naylon jaw flat nose plier
Square steel prong pusher
Cutter
Duct tape
Pointed nose plier
This plier tool is great to use when you have a piece with several stone settings and prongs to bend, thanks to its pointed nose. With this tool you can see all the prongs you need to bend, because the edge of the plier does not block your sight.
With this tool you really need to be careful not to scratch the back side of the element that you’re working on. The back side of any jewelry piece needs to look as good as the front side!
Flat nose plier + Duct tape
This is a good trick to prevent the scratches that can easily be on the surface of the element that you are working on. The duct tape is very strong to use, but still, you will need to renew it every now and then.
You can wrap any shape of plier tool, except for the round nose plier that will not work nicely with this tape on.
Naylon jaw flat nose plier
This plier tool comes with a plastic cover on top of the metal flat nose, to protect the surface of the element you’re working on.
This tool would be helpful when working with not so little elements, because these plastic jaws are a bit bulky.
Square Steel Prong Pusher
This is a probably the easiest tool to work with, when you get used to it.
The right way to work with this tool is to hold the crystal in the stone setting in one hand, and press the metal prong on top of the crystal with the edge of the pusher with the other hand.
You don’t need to worry about damaging the plating or anything, because of the minimal touch between the tool and the metal element.
Cutter
This is a great way to open the prongs when you need to, but it has to be done with care or else you can easily damage the crystal or the metal element.
Using the right tool for the kind of work you are doing, and the one how is most comfortable for you is the key for working safe fast and with high quality results.
Have fun working and creating!
Cup Chain team.