Hi, Thanks, everyone, for your replies.  I think I will try firing the two pieces separately (although when I've already made the bezel out of FS bezel wire, I'll just have to fire the base first.  Bob, I did try putting a sizable decorative hole in the back of the bezel base, but it still separated during firing.  The ...

I was told that one needs a total of five playing cards thickness of pmc to properly set a 4 mm faceted stone.  Does anyone know the minimum necessary thicknesses for bigger stones?

I have read --and tried--a couple of methods of attaching a fine silver bezel to a base of pmc.  I'm trying to do this to incorporate freeform cabs into my pmc work.  I've tried just setting the bezel on the pmc and using paste (also tried art clay oil paste) to attach the two. Also tried sinking the bezel part way into the clay ...

Is anyone experienced with using an acetylene/atmospheric air torch for soldering on PMC?  I am trying to decide on a torch purchase (currently have a fairly useless microtorch).  I do PMC work, but also am moving into fabrication with sterling and other metals.  Would appreciate any input.