Jewellery: An Introduction to Stone Setting Tuesday Evening

About this course

The course focuses on securing stones rather than general jewellery making. Participants work with pre-made settings and learn to make bezel and collet settings, as well as set stones in claw and rub-over mounts. Demonstrations are provided for the group and, where appropriate, individually. The class also includes discussion of example work, experimentation with setting processes and regular tutor feedback. Participants are expected to maintain a technical notebook documenting their work and progress.

What you'll learn

• Construct bezel, straight and tapered collet settings.
• Set stones in claw, rub-over and corner-claw settings.
• Use setter’s cement, spitzstick, bullstick and flat scorpers.
• Record technical processes and progress in a bench book.
• Develop mountmaking and stone-setting skills.

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for complete beginners as well as learners with metalwork or jewellery-making experience who want to develop stone-setting skills. Participation involves practical workshop activities, experimentation, group discussion and individual feedback. A moderate level of fitness and arm strength is needed to form metal.

• Suitable for learners starting jewellery making or extending existing metalwork skills.
• Requires practical work involving metal forming and jewellery equipment.
• Learners who are pregnant should discuss precautions with the tutor because some chemicals used may be harmful.

Before you go

• Workshop tools are available for use during the course.
• Participants need to purchase some materials, including precious metals, stones, saw blades and specific-sized drill bits.
• The tutor can help assess metal requirements and provide a supplier list.
• Silver settings and gemstones are available to purchase from the tutor.
• Wire may be needed if a setting is to be turned into jewellery using shanks or jump rings.
• Suitable footwear is required.
• The jewellery studio has lift access.