How to Look for a Bezel to Make a Coin Pendant

Choose a metal. Bezel wire comes in gold, gold-filled, silver, copper, brass and nickel silver. Gold bezel wire is manufactured in 14 karat, 18 karat and 22 karat gold. Silver bezel wire is manufactured in sterling silver, fine silver and Argentium® silver. The metal you select will determine the color and expense of your bezel set coin pendant. The metal chosen will also influence ease of fabrication. Pure metals (like fine silver and 22-karat gold) are softer and more malleable, so they are often easier to work with than are metals with more base-metal. Pure metals also tarnish less. The chosen metal will determine the strength when worn. While softer metals tarnish less and are easier to use when fabricating, soft metals are more likely to scratch and change shape as they are worn.

Select a shape. Bezel wire comes in a variety of patterns. Typical bezel wire is made as rectangular wire, but many manufacturers also make stepped bezel wire. Stepped bezel wire creates a seat for the coin and allows the artist to create a bezel without needing a back. Stepped bezel wire also will show both sides of the coin.

Choose a pattern. Bezel wire is sold as a plain strip, with a serrated top or with a scalloped top. The coin pendant will have a very different look depending on which pattern is used to frame the coin.

Consider cost. The choice of metal, shape and pattern will all influence the cost of the bezel. Your price point will determine what metal, shape or pattern of bezel wire is best for your coin pendant.