Here is a good example of how the stones get set in our pendants. this is our newest 108 Stoned Lotus Flower, they remove the center piece, (surprise forthcoming) and attach pendant to a special block with a wax like substance, and (not pictured) use a little instrument shaped like a short pencil with wax instead of lead.. pick up the (very) tiny stone (from the dish on the table) ,, set the stone in place,, then look through a microscope, and gently tap the prongs over the stone with the appropriate tool.... this skilled artisan is in the process of moving my piece to the side, to 'repair' or replace one stone on the bracelet pictured... it will take him a good two days to set all 108 stones in our pendant.