We recently made a simple solitaire pendant in our workshop and set a white sapphire in it. White sapphire is a nice choice for someone on a limited budget.
![IMG_5423](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5423-e1458925086340-225x300.jpg)
First, we begin with a piece of white gold wire.
![IMG_5432](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5432-e1458925098429-225x300.jpg)
We heat it to make it malleable so that we can shape it into what we want.
![IMG_5437](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5437-e1458925110927-225x300.jpg)
The wire is coiled to make the base of the pendant, as well as the jump rings that will be used to attach it to the chain.
![IMG_5441](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5441-e1458923460916-225x300.jpg)
Some pieces of wire are joined with the base ring in order to form the basket of the pendant where the sapphire will be set.
![IMG_5443](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5443-e1458925127636-244x300.jpg)
Here is the basket: in rough form.
![IMG_5445](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5445-e1458923794951-225x300.jpg)
The basket is placed in a magnetic tumbler, which is a bath filled with tiny pieces of metal that polishes and smoothes the piece.
![IMG_5446](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5446-e1458923812426-225x300.jpg)
Now that the basket is polished, we can move on to the next step.
![IMG_5615](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5615-e1458923887181-287x300.jpg)
Now it’s time to attach the chain and set the stone.
![IMG_5620 (1)](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5620-1-e1458924035797-225x300.jpg)
Once the chain is attached, we put the pendant on shellac to hold it in place.
![IMG_5623 (1)](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5623-1-e1458924095923-225x300.jpg)
We use a bur to make a seat for the stone. This helps it sit properly and not fall out.
![IMG_5624 (1)](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5624-1-e1458924148327-225x300.jpg)
Once the seat is done, we place the stone in it.
![IMG_5625 (1)](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5625-1-e1458924241982-225x300.jpg)
The prongs are then bent over to secure the stone in place.
![IMG_5628](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5628-e1458924279832-225x300.jpg)
The prongs a slightly filed to give them a nicer shape.
![IMG_5630 (1)](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5630-1-e1458924303351-225x300.jpg)
Now that the stone has been set, it’s time to clean it up.
![IMG_5633](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5633-e1458924329806-225x300.jpg)
We give it a good polish using a soft brush.
![IMG_5634](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5634-e1458924351129-225x300.jpg)
The pendant is then placed in an ultrasonic jewelry bath.
![IMG_5637](/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IMG_5637-e1458924438306-283x300.jpg)
The pendant is done and ready to be worn!