Okay, I realize this sounds like a dumb question. I recently purchased a lovely turquoise teardrop pendant and a sterling pinch bail that I'd like to use with it. The side view of the bail looks like an inverted "u" and the pin goes straight across the bottom of the opening (there isn't a pin on the opposing side, just the one long pin, so maybe this isn't technically a pinch bail). It looks like the only way I'll get the end of the pin and the hole on the pendant to line up would be to bend the pin way down, insert the pendant, and then bend it back up. The whole thing is quite sturdy, so I'd have to apply quite a bit of pressure to get it in position. Maybe this is the way to do it, I just didn't want to strong arm it unless someone can confirm that's the right way.
I should've asked at the shop.