The difference between a cabochon à coller and a cabochon à sertir lies mainly in the shape of the back and the method of setting used in creative jewelry. A cabochon à coller has a flat base. This flat base ensures perfect adhesion to a suitable support (ring, pendant, brooch, etc.) using a special jewelry glue. This type of cabochon is ideal for DIY beginners, as it requires neither special tools nor complex assembly techniques. A cabochon à sertir will have a raised base, designed to be held in place in a setting adapted to the cabochon's shape, or in a woven bead setting. Crimping doesn't necessarily involve glue: the cabochon is fixed mechanically or encircled with beads for a secure hold and a more elaborate finish. This method is often used by experienced designers or for projects requiring great durability.

Q: Can you set a Swarovski cabochon without glue?

Yes, it is possible to set a Swarovski cabochon without using glue, in particular with : A claw mount, which holds the crystal in place by mechanical pressure A woven bead setting, which wraps the cabochon with rows of beads to hold it in place. These methods are ideal for designers seeking a more technical finish or wishing to avoid the use of adhesives.

How to use a crystal cabochon setting in DIY?

To set a cabochon, you have several options:

With a claw setting. All the details are explained in our cabochon setting guide.
With soutache, as in this bracelet model.
With seed beads, as in these dangling earrings.

What's the difference between a glue-on cabochon and a setting cabochon?

The difference between a cabochon à coller and a cabochon à sertir lies mainly in the shape of the back and the method of setting used in creative jewelry.

A cabochon à coller has a flat base. This flat base ensures perfect adhesion to a suitable support (ring, pendant, brooch, etc.) using a special jewelry glue. This type of cabochon is ideal for DIY beginners, as it requires neither special tools nor complex assembly techniques.
A cabochon à sertir will have a raised base, designed to be held in place in a setting adapted to the cabochon's shape, or in a woven bead setting. Crimping doesn't necessarily involve glue: the cabochon is fixed mechanically or encircled with beads for a secure hold and a more elaborate finish. This method is often used by experienced designers or for projects requiring great durability.

Can you set a Swarovski cabochon without glue?

Yes, it is possible to set a Swarovski cabochon without using glue, in particular with :

A claw mount, which holds the crystal in place by mechanical pressure
A woven bead setting, which wraps the cabochon with rows of beads to hold it in place.

These methods are ideal for designers seeking a more technical finish or wishing to avoid the use of adhesives.