2-Day Intensive Setting Course

Advanced Foundation in Stone Setting: A 2-Day Intensive for Jewelers

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Course Description

This two-day, fast-paced course is designed exclusively for jewelers with existing workshop experience who wish to expand their skill set into specialized stone setting techniques. The curriculum focuses on four key setting styles—Claw, Basic Pave, Basic Box, and Basic Bezel—providing a comprehensive overview of fundamental advanced practices. Through direct, hands-on application and personalized instruction, you will learn to execute each setting with precision, enhancing both your craftsmanship and the value of your work.

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Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Confidently prepare and execute a claw setting on a faceted stone.
• Lay out and set multiple small stones using basic pave techniques.
• Fabricate and set a stone into a basic box setting.
• Create a secure and aesthetically pleasing bezel setting.
• Understand the specific tools and burrs required for each setting style.
• Perform post-setting checks to ensure stone security and a professional finish.

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Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations and Precision

• Morning Session (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
  • 9:00 – 9:30 AM: Tool and Material Prep
    • A quick review of the specific gravers, burs, and pushers for the day’s tasks.
    • Discussing the properties of various metals and how they respond to different setting pressures.
  • 9:30 – 11:30 AM: Claw Setting
    • Theory & Demonstration: The instructor will demonstrate the process of preparing a claw, creating the seat for the girdle, and closing the claws evenly and securely.
    • Hands-on Practice: You will work on a practice ring or pendant, setting a round faceted stone into a four-claw mount. Focus will be on achieving a symmetrical and tight setting.
  • 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Basic Pave Setting
    • Theory & Demonstration: Introduction to the concept of pave. Learn how to mark out the grid, drill the holes, and prepare the metal for a field of small stones.
    • Hands-on Practice: You will begin by marking and drilling a small section on a flat metal surface, preparing for the setting to be completed in the afternoon.
• Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
• Afternoon Session (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
  • 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Basic Pave Setting (Continued)
    • Hands-on Practice: You will set the small gemstones into the prepared surface, using a graver or pusher to raise the beads of metal to secure each stone.
  • 4:00 – 5:00 PM: Review and Q&A
    • A discussion on the challenges encountered during the day’s settings. We will troubleshoot common issues and refine techniques.

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Day 2: Advanced Techniques and Finishing

• Morning Session (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
  • 9:00 – 11:00 AM: Basic Bezel Setting
    • Theory & Demonstration: Building on the basics, we will focus on creating a perfectly flush and secure bezel, discussing the importance of uniform metal height and burnishing pressure.
    • Hands-on Practice: You will practice setting a stone into a prepared bezel, paying close attention to clean lines and a smooth, polished finish.
  • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Basic Box Setting
    • Theory & Demonstration: Learn the process of creating a box setting from a block or sheet of metal. This involves cutting the shape, creating the internal seat, and preparing the corners to hold the stone.
    • Hands-on Practice: You will be provided with a pre-cut metal box to practice seating and setting a square- or princess-cut stone.
• Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
• Afternoon Session (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
  • 2:00 – 4:00 PM: Final Project and Refinement
    • Hands-on Practice: You will choose one of the four setting styles learned in the course to complete a final piece of work, either a pendant or a ring component. The instructor will provide one-on-one guidance.
  • 4:00 – 5:00 PM: Cleaning, Polishing, and Course Conclusion
    • We will cover the final steps of professional cleaning and polishing to make your settings sparkle.
    • The course will conclude with a final review, a Q&A session, and the presentation of a Certificate of Completion.