A bezel setting refers to a piece of jewelry with an arc or lip that encompasses a stone. It is easy to make resin jewelry using a bezel setting because you can pour the resin-breastmilk mixture into the bezel, and it will dry in place. You can also use a mold to make your stone and inlay it in a prong setting, but this can get a bit tricky, as you must make sure the mold is exactly proportional to your jewelry setting or else it won’t fit. You can choose either an open-backed bezel or a closed-backed bezel. Closed-backed bezels are a bit easier to work with, but either option is doable. Select from metal, acrylic, or wood bezels. Metal bezels, especially tungsten, silver, and gold, will last the longest, but you should pick whichever item you are most drawn to.
The exact amount of breastmilk needed to create your piece of jewelry will depend on exactly how big your mold is, but most breastmilk jewelry recipes require 5mL of milk to make your resin-milk mixture. If you have extra mixture leftover after making your accessory, feel free to toss it—or make more jewelry!
Heating your milk eliminates bacteria and helps to solidify it so that it will mix better with your breastmilk preservation powder.
All breastmilk is different: some is thinner and some is fattier. It may take a few minutes or more to form a dough. Just keep stirring and gently scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent your mixture from sticking.
Keep the dough in a safe place, but don’t seal it off (so don’t put it in the fridge) as it needs air to dry out.
You can wear gloves if you don’t want to handle the mixture with your hands.
If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can use a ceramic bowl and an ice cream scooper. Avoid using tools made of wood or metal, as these may discolor your breastmilk. [9] X Research source
There’s no “right” way your final product should look! You can also experiment and make more than one piece of jewelry to see whether you prefer your stone smooth or chunky. For an even smoother look, let your powder dry another day and grind it again. If you want an ultra-smooth and creamy-looking stone, it’s imperative to grind your powder really thoroughly. If you’re not going to immediately make your jewelry, store your powder in an airtight container and keep it in a dim location.
For best results, use epoxy coating resin as it dries quickly compared to other types of resins and is long-lasting. A bottle of resin should come with a catalyst included; you shouldn’t have to purchase them separately. [13] X Research source Most resin requires mixing at a 1:1 ratio, but some products require a 2:1 ratio. Be sure to read the exact instructions on the resin you purchased. Note that if you plan to add any extra elements to your resin, such as glitter or a lock of hair, don’t make your mixture too opaque or else you won’t be able to see the other items as well!
Be careful and quick, and only keep your flame lit for 1 to 3 seconds at a time. If you overheat the resin too much, it may not properly dry and it may form a grainy, sticky surface rather than a smooth one.
Add little bits of powder at a time, as a little bit goes a long way and it’s easier to incorporate small amounts at a time. Be sure to use resin away from any children or pets as it is toxic when wet. Make your jewelry in a well-ventilated area and wear proper PPE.
If you’re using an open-backed bezel, firmly attach a piece of masking tape to the back side so that when you fill it, the resin doesn’t leak out.
If you’re using an open-backed bezel, remove the tape: you should be able to see through your stone, unless you’ve made it super opaque. Depending on the type of jewelry you’re making, you may need to add your bezel to a chain (for a necklace or bracelet) or to earring wires. If you’re using a ring with a bezel setting, you’re good to go!
