In my earlier blog post discussed the beginnings of this project. One of our learning assignments this past month was a half-round band with a faceted stone set in a tube.
The measurements in the band were off, because I melted my first two rings. I run too hot I guess.
Silver ingot. Notice the break in the bar from an uneven pour 
First shape with square mill 
Pulled wire 
Shaping the wire into rings 
Brushing the flux 
Soldering with hard solder 
Polished rings 
Stamped rings
I decided on a sapphire because of its hardness, and also because it was the only stone in my discount baggie that came even close to the 3.0 size. The stone was 3.1.
Our measurements for the task were 3.0 diameter round wire, tube with 1.0 wall thickness and stone of 3.0 diameter.
Tube shank with solder filed away. 
Trying to create a new lip on the tube 
Squashing the tube with rolling mill to create a new lip 
Using the clamp vise to create lip. 
Tube became tear-drop shaped, which fortunately did not hinder the setting process.
Making sure the tube is in the center of the ring shank. 
Checking that the tube fits the ring perfectly and does not protrude form either side. note the mark where I’d like my setting to sit.
I sawed the ring shank after soldering, and used a ball burr to widen the gap.
I used couple of different setting tools, but I liked the burnisher and brass punch with hammer the most. The punch setting is really just a square piece of metal that is used with hammer to push the metal on top of the stone.
Notice that in tube setting the metal should not touch the facet edges, otherwise it doesn’t give the setting the rounded look.
Casting silver: you have to click this! :)