Brian, I know azure is blue-in the first pictures I see red stones but what is "azure work"? All I could find on Azure on the net is it is some new Microsoft crape and it is a shade of blue.-than in advance, Fred
Azuring in stone setting consists of the cutting (beveling) of the opening in the back to allow the stone to take in more light - as well as giving a much nicer appearance than that left by simply chamfering the round drill hole.
Done by graver, saw or a combination of both.
In the shape of triangles, squares, rectangles, pentangles and hexes - depending on the layout and skills/imagination of the setter.
My personal favorite is to saw first, then kinda "scrape" with a high polished graver.
Becoming a rare sight because it takes a higher degree of skill - and of course, more time.
I don't recall ever seeing it posted before on this forum?
Which is surprising, given the number of stonesetter members...
Brian, Thanks for the explanation. It is much appreciated. I knew the reason the hole was drilled clear through was to let light pass through the stone so it would improve light refraction off the facets but did not know that the shape of the hole was improved other than making the round whole bigger. Never thought anything about the holes special treatment other than making it bigger for more light. I now understand that bright cutting and shaping could improve the refraction. I also notice that on this piece there is no millgrain used. I thought that was pretty standard. I will pay more attention in the future and see what else I can pick up. Fred
Beautiful work! I really see no point in the azure work other than making the back look neat and finished and making the cleaning of the diamonds easier. The piece will lie on top of clothing or skin which will cast a shadow at the back of the piece. This will prevent light from entering the back anyway. The same applies to rings. Once on the finger no light can enter from the back as none of us have see through fingers. Lol! It is definitely a sign of quality work and is rarely seen nowadays.