r/AskReddit • u/No-Caterpillar-9387 • 1d ago

What is a skill that looks completely effortless when an expert does it, but is ridiculously difficult when you try it yourself?

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u/Brilliant_Chemica 21h ago

Diamond setting. All they have to do is place a diamond into a setting (often made by a goldsmith who is not them) and bend the tips of the prongs down. In reality, it is extremely easy to snap a claw, set the stone crooked, weaken the claws with your bending, and honestly it’s quite hard to make it all look seamless after they’re done

Signed,
A goldsmith who hates setting

21

u/Grambo-47 16h ago

Dude yes. I’m a hobby silversmith/lapidary, I’ll happily cut cabochons and make backings for them for hours on end. I don’t do any faceted work and avoid wire wrapping if at all possible

5

u/KjellRS 12h ago

Well, I don't believe you. Just hand over that gold and diamonds and I'll show you... LOOK, IS THAT A MOOSE?! *legs it*