He then triple checks that the stones are level prior to securing.
Before setting any stones, Mac uses a hart bur to cut the seats for the stones. A seat is essentially a small notch that is carved into the inner surface of each prong.
Mac uses a wax dop to gently lower the accent stones, one at a time, into their designated settings.
When your gemstone is placed onto the seat, it helps to hold it firmly in place, preventing it from shifting or becoming loose over time.
With skilled precision, he deftly employs pliers to delicately secure the stone in place, gently squeezing the tips of the prongs over the top.
He then again uses a wax dop to lower the center stone into the seat.
The prongs are then filed into their final position and the entire ring is cleaned, polished, and steamed.