How to Add Diamonds to the Bezel of a Watch

Diamonds add style and value to jewelry. Setting diamonds into the bezel of a watch takes a considerable degree of time, skill and patience. This is usually done by a professional jeweler; but anyone can craft bezel settings, given the proper equipment. Bezel setting involves specialized metal-shaping tools to craft the bezel, by drilling a hole into the watch, shaping it to each diamond's measurements and placing each diamond securely into the setting. The outer rim or "lip" of metal around the diamond is then folded around the edge to secure it. Unlike pronged settings, bezel settings protect the edges of the stone and prevent snagging, scratching and chipping.

Instructions

1

Select the type, size and shape of diamond to fit the dimensions of your watch. Decide on the shape and type of bezel setting, such as a full bezel setting that completely surrounds the diamonds, a partial bezel enclosing half of the diamond or a pear or oval- shaped bezel. Then measure each diamond's outer edge (girdle) and bottom (pavilion) to determine the dimensions of the bezel setting.

2

Craft each bezel setting, using a specialized metal excavating tool to drill and shape setting into area of the watch in accordance with each diamond's dimensions. Be sure each diamond can fit snugly into each bezel setting prior to mounting.

3

Place each diamond into its bezel setting on the watch. Then secure each stone to its bezel setting by folding the outer rim or "lip" of metal around its diameter using a specialized pneumatic hammer. Each diamond should appear enclosed inside the bezel setting.