bead setting the stone in place

[donec]

Can bead setting to hold a stone in place be used with silver clay? I am concerned the finished product may not be mailable enough as I have read silver clay can not be stretched like sterling silver due to silver clay not being mailable enough.

[Metalman]

Dear Donec,
If by 'bead setting'  you mean using a graver to raise a small bit of metal and then beading it over the edge of the stone like jewelers use for pavè style settings: I would agree - I don't think the art clay have the strength to hold up to that process. You can build in prongs of Fine Silver; Argentium; Sterling; White Gold. Fine silver bezel wire fires in great. There are hybrid cold connection methods you can devise to mount stones. Hope this helps