Pendant Settings Without Stones: How to Create a Custom Necklace

You already know what you want — a necklace that feels personal, not mass-produced. Something you chose, designed, and made your own. That’s exactly the promise of pendant settings without stones. Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or an experienced jewelry maker, these empty metal frames give you the creative freedom to design a custom necklace around any gemstone, crystal, or meaningful object you choose. In this guide, you’ll learn what pendant settings without stones are, how to pick the right one, and exactly how to turn it into a custom necklace you’ll wear for years to come.

What Are Pendant Settings Without Stones?

Pendant settings without stones — also known as blank pendant settings, open bezel pendants, or empty jewelry settings — are pre-made metal frames built to hold a stone, crystal, or decorative fill. They are sold without any stone included, which means you supply exactly what goes inside.

Think of them as the canvas. You bring the color.

These settings come in dozens of styles, sizes, and metals. The most common shapes include round, oval, teardrop, square, and freeform. They’re used by:

• DIY jewelry makers crafting one-of-a-kind pieces at home
• Small jewelry brands building custom product lines
• Gift-makers creating meaningful, personalized keepsakes
• Artists preserving found objects — sea glass, dried flowers, resin, photos — in wearable form

The term “pendant setting without stones” refers specifically to the empty frame before any stone is added. Once filled, it becomes the focal point of your custom necklace.

Why Use Pendant Settings Without Stones to Create a Custom Necklace?

Choosing a pendant setting without a stone pre-installed isn’t just a budget move — it’s a design decision. Here’s why thousands of jewelry lovers in the U.S. prefer this approach:

You Control Every Detail of the Custom Necklace

When you start with an empty pendant setting, you make every creative call: the stone type, the color, the cut, the metal, the chain. Nothing is decided for you. This is the foundation of truly custom necklace design.

You Save 30–60% Compared to Pre-Set Retail Jewelry

Buying an empty setting and sourcing your own stone separately is significantly cheaper than purchasing a finished necklace at retail. According to jewelry industry data, custom-built pieces can save buyers 30% to 60% over pre-set fine jewelry — without sacrificing quality.

You Can Create Custom Necklaces With Sentimental Stones

Many people already own a stone with meaning — a birthstone passed down through the family, a crystal purchased on a trip, or a piece of sea glass found on a memorable beach. Pendant settings without stones let you mount those objects and wear them close every day.

No Jewelry Experience Required

Many pendant settings — especially tray-style bezels — require nothing more than a dab of jewelry adhesive. You don’t need specialized tools, training, or a workshop. If you can glue something, you can make a custom necklace.

5 Types of Pendant Settings Without Stones (And Which to Choose)

Not all pendant settings work the same way. The type you choose depends on the stone you’re using, your skill level, and the style of the custom necklace you want to create. Here’s a breakdown of the five most popular options:

1. Bezel Pendant Settings — Best for a Sleek, Modern Custom Necklace

A bezel setting surrounds the stone with a smooth metal rim, holding it securely from all sides. It’s one of the most popular pendant settings without stones because it works with virtually any stone shape and gives the finished necklace a polished, contemporary look.

• Ideal stone types: oval, round, cushion cabochons
• Best for: everyday wear, minimalist necklace styles, sensitive stones like opal or turquoise
• Skill level: beginner-friendly (many are glue-set)

2. Prong Pendant Settings — Best for Showcasing a Sparkling Stone

Prong settings use small metal claws (typically 4 or 6) to grip the stone from below, lifting it up and letting light pass through from every angle. This is the classic choice when the stone itself is the star of the custom necklace.

• Ideal stone types: faceted gems — sapphire, garnet, amethyst, cubic zirconia
• Best for: elegant, formal necklaces; statement pendants
• Skill level: intermediate (professional setting recommended for valuable stones)

3. Basket Pendant Settings — Best for a Classic Custom Necklace Look

Basket settings work similarly to prong settings but include a deeper, enclosed metal basket beneath the stone. This gives the pendant extra structure and makes it one of the sturdiest pendant settings without stones available.

• Ideal stone types: round brilliant-cut gems
• Best for: traditional jewelry styles; heirloom-quality custom necklaces
• Skill level: intermediate to advanced

4. Tray (Flat-Pad) Pendant Settings — Best for DIY Custom Necklace Projects

Tray settings — also called pad bezels or flat-back settings — feature a flat, recessed platform. You simply place your stone or object into the tray and secure it with a jeweler’s adhesive. No clamping or pressing required.

• Ideal fills: glass cabochons, resin tiles, photo inserts, pressed flowers
• Best for: beginner crafters, gift necklaces, large-scale DIY projects
• Skill level: beginner (no tools needed)

5. Cage Pendant Settings — Best for Raw Crystal Custom Necklaces

Cage settings use an open wire or metal framework to cradle the stone, rather than enclosing or gripping it. They’re the go-to choice when you’re working with raw, uncut, or irregularly shaped crystals that won’t fit a standard setting.

• Ideal stone types: raw quartz, amethyst points, river stones, rough gems
• Best for: boho, artisan, and nature-inspired custom necklace styles
• Skill level: beginner to intermediate

How to Create a Custom Necklace With a Pendant Setting — Step by Step

• Ready to build your own piece? Here’s the exact process for creating a custom necklace using a pendant setting without stones — from blank frame to finished jewelry:
• Choose Your Necklace Style First. Before anything else, decide the overall aesthetic. Are you creating a dainty minimalist necklace, a bold statement piece, or a sentimental keepsake? Your style answer shapes every decision that follows.
• Pick the Right Pendant Setting Type. Use the five types above as your guide. If you’re a beginner creating your first custom necklace, start with a bezel or tray setting. Both are forgiving and require minimal tools.
• Source Your Stone or Fill. Choose a stone, crystal, or object that fits the setting’s dimensions. Settings are measured in millimeters — a 12mm setting needs a stone no larger than 12mm. Measure carefully before purchasing.
• Select Your Metal and Finish. Match your pendant setting’s metal to your other jewelry. Sterling silver, gold-filled, rose gold, and brass are the most common options. We cover each in the next section.
• Choose the Right Chain for Your Custom Necklace. The chain length and style should complement the pendant. A 16–18 inch delicate cable chain suits small bezel pendants. A 20–24 inch rolo or curb chain works well with larger, heavier settings.
• Set the Stone and Finish the Piece. For glue-set tray styles, apply a small dot of E6000 adhesive or jeweler’s epoxy, press the stone in, and let it cure for 24 hours. For prong or basket settings, have a certified jeweler set the stone to ensure security.

That’s the complete process. Most DIY custom necklaces using pendant settings without stones can be finished in an afternoon.

Best Metals for Pendant Settings Without Stones

The metal you choose for your pendant setting affects the look, durability, and longevity of your custom necklace. Here’s what you need to know about each option:

Sterling Silver (.925) — Most Popular for Custom Necklaces

Sterling silver is the top-selling choice for pendant settings without stones in the United States. It’s affordable, widely available, and pairs beautifully with nearly every stone color. Always look for the .925 stamp, which confirms 92.5% pure silver content.

Gold-Filled — Long-Lasting Warmth for Custom Necklaces

Gold-filled settings have a thick layer of real gold bonded to a base metal core. Unlike gold-plated, they won’t wear through quickly. They’re the best middle-ground option if you want the look of solid gold at a fraction of the cost.

Solid Gold (14K or 18K) — For Heirloom Custom Necklaces

If you’re creating a custom necklace meant to last generations, solid gold is the right choice. 14K gold is harder and better for everyday wear; 18K gold has a richer, deeper color but is slightly softer. Both will hold their value over time.

Brass and Copper — For Boho and Artisan Custom Necklaces

Brass and copper settings give custom necklaces a warm, earthy, artisan feel. They’re very affordable and easy to find. The trade-off: both metals can tarnish over time and may cause skin reactions for people with metal sensitivities.

Stainless Steel — Best for Everyday Wear Custom Necklaces

Stainless steel pendant settings are hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, and nearly indestructible with daily wear. They’re an excellent choice if the custom necklace is meant to be worn every day without special care.

Pro Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your Pendant Setting Without Stones

• These are the details that separate a well-made custom necklace from one that frustrates you three days after finishing it:
• Measure the stone before buying the setting. A 10mm setting will not accommodate a 10.5mm stone. Always measure in millimeters and buy accordingly.
• Check the bail opening before selecting your chain. The bail is the loop at the top of the pendant. If it’s too narrow, your chain won’t thread through.
• Match setting depth to stone height. Cabochons are dome-shaped — they have height. If your setting tray is too shallow, the stone will sit above the rim and pop out.
• Order two or three extra settings. Settings are inexpensive, and having spares saves you from a frustrating project halt if one gets damaged.
• Practice on glass cabochons first. Before setting that precious gemstone, practice the technique with a $0.50 glass cab. It builds confidence and prevents expensive mistakes.
• Let adhesive cure fully before wearing. Most jewelry epoxies need 24 hours to reach full bond strength. Wearing too soon is the number one cause of stones falling out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Custom Necklace With a Pendant Setting

Even skilled crafters fall into these traps. Learn them now and skip the frustration later:

Mistake #1: Choosing a Setting Before Choosing the Stone

Always start with the stone, not the setting. Find the stone you love first, measure it precisely, then source a pendant setting that fits those exact dimensions. Doing it backwards means your stone likely won’t fit.

Mistake #2: Buying Low-Quality Metal Settings for a Custom Necklace You Plan to Wear Daily

Unbranded “alloy” settings with no metal specification are a red flag. They may tarnish within weeks, irritate skin, or snap at the bail. For any necklace you plan to wear regularly, invest in settings marked with a metal type: .925 silver, gold-filled, or stainless.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Chain Length When Building the Custom Necklace

Chain length changes how the whole necklace looks. A 16-inch chain rests at the collarbone; 18 inches is the most universally flattering length; 20–24 inches allows for layering. Choose your length based on your neckline and personal style, not just what came in the pack.

Mistake #4: Using Too Much Glue in a Tray Pendant Setting

A tiny amount of E6000 or jeweler’s epoxy is all a tray setting needs. Excess adhesive squeezes out from under the stone and is extremely difficult to clean once cured. Less is genuinely more here.

Mistake #5: Skipping the Final Polish on Your Custom Necklace

Once your stone is set, give the metal a quick buff with a jewelry polishing cloth. It removes fingerprints, handling marks, and adhesive residue — and takes the piece from “homemade” to “professionally finished” in sixty seconds.

What Jewelry Experts Say About Pendant Settings Without Stones

We asked custom jewelry artisans and professional bench jewelers what they’d tell someone starting their first custom necklace project. Here’s what came up most consistently:

“The setting should serve the stone, not compete with it. If your stone is the showpiece, choose the simplest setting that holds it safely. The frame disappears — and that’s exactly what you want.”

Other expert insights that apply directly to pendant settings without stones:

• Source settings from established suppliers. Suppliers like Rio Grande, Stuller, and Fire Mountain Gems provide consistent sizing, clear metal specs, and reliable quality control — critical when you’re building a custom necklace around a specific stone.
• Start with bezel settings if you’re new to custom necklace design. Bezels are the most forgiving setting style. They hide small sizing imperfections, protect delicate stones, and look professional even when set by a beginner.
• Let a certified jeweler set valuable stones. DIY works beautifully for glass cabochons and affordable crystals. But if you’re mounting a natural ruby, emerald, or high-grade sapphire in a pendant setting without stones, have a professional do the setting. The peace of mind is worth every penny.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pendant Settings Without Stones

What are pendant settings without stones used for?

Pendant settings without stones are empty metal frames used to create custom necklaces. They’re designed to hold gemstones, crystals, cabochons, resin pieces, or other meaningful objects, giving you complete control over what goes into your finished necklace.

Where can I buy pendant settings without stones in the USA?

You can find pendant settings without stones at online jewelry supply retailers like Rio Grande, Stuller, Fire Mountain Gems, and Beaducation. Etsy is also a strong source for handcrafted or artisan-style settings. Craft chain stores like Michaels carry basic tray and bezel settings for beginner projects.

How do I know what size stone fits my pendant setting?

Pendant settings without stones are measured in millimeters. The listing will specify the stone diameter it accepts — for example, “fits a 12mm round cabochon.” Always measure your stone with a millimeter gauge or caliper before purchasing the setting to ensure a snug fit.

Can I wear a pendant setting without stones and leave it empty?

Yes, absolutely. Open bezel pendant settings worn empty are a recognized minimalist jewelry trend. The negative space becomes the design element. Many people intentionally leave pendant settings without stones as lightweight, modern statement pieces with no fill at all.

What’s the difference between a bezel setting and a prong setting for a custom necklace?

A bezel setting wraps a solid metal rim fully around the stone for maximum protection and a contemporary look. A prong setting grips the stone with metal claws, lifting it higher and letting more light in for brilliance and sparkle. Bezel settings are more durable; prong settings show off the stone more dramatically. The best choice depends on the stone and the style of your custom necklace.

Conclusion: Your Custom Necklace Starts With the Right Pendant Setting

Creating a custom necklace doesn’t require a workshop, formal training, or a big budget. It starts with one decision: choosing the right pendant setting without stones for your vision.

From sleek bezel settings that frame a labradorite perfectly, to tray settings that hold a photo or pressed wildflower, to raw cage pendants that showcase an uncut crystal — there’s a setting for every stone and every story.

Here’s what to take with you from this guide:

• Choose your stone first, then find the pendant setting that fits it
• Match the setting type to your skill level and necklace style
• Select a metal that suits your lifestyle — silver for versatility, gold-filled for warmth, stainless for durability
• Measure everything in millimeters before buying
• Polish the final piece for a professional, finished look

Ready to start? Browse pendant settings without stones at a trusted supplier, pick up a few styles to experiment with, and start building. Your custom necklace is closer than you think — and it’ll mean more because you made it yourself.