set a stone in a solitaire ring?

[nealsmith]

Hi

I've been reading this forum for a while, thanks for the many interesting posts. 

I was wondering about whether it's possible for me to set a stone in a solitaire ring as a first project.  I've seen some "easy-set" solitaire ring settings, but I wonder are they secure?  is this something I can do with no prior experience (except beading!) or should I have a real jeweler do it and work on something simpler first?

Thanks alot!
-Neal

[Russ Nobbs]

Hi Neal,
Unless it's an inexpensive stone you'd like to set in a "Tripps" type cinch mount setting, I'd leave it to a "real jeweler."
Cinch or snap tite settings are relatively secure, but not as secure as a real prong setting with a seat cut into the prongs and the prongs pushed down on the stone.

For a comprehensive site about cinch type mountings see http://www.tripps.com/