10 Stone Setting Types for Silver Jewellery Making (podcast episode)
Setting gemstones in our jewellery is one of our favourite things here at Jewellers Academy. In this weeks episode of the podcast, Jessica Rose talks about ten different stone-setting techniques (and one bonus technique!). Find out more about how they are done and the online Jewellers Academy courses you can use to learn stone setting for yourself.
142: Stone setting types for silver jewellery making
With Jessica Rose
Learning to do your own stone settings is a valuable skill for any jeweller. In this episode, Jess talks through ten common stone settings for silver jewellery (plus one bonus). These settings cover a wide variety of skill and experience levels, so there’s something here for everyone! You can find some photos of the settings below.
Episode Description:
This week we’re talking about 10 stone settings for silver jewellery (1:35)
1. Cabochon setting (3:25)
2. Tube setting (6:05)
3. Flush setting (8:32)
4. Shaped cabochons (10:59)
5. Collet setting (13:40)
6. Claw setting (16:13)
7. Micro claw setting (17:50)
8. Pave setting (19:55)
Bonus: Star setting (21:59)
9. Tension setting (23:27)
10. Channel setting (25:09)
Resources
Learn more about Jewellers Academy
Watch this episode on YouTube
Join the Jewellers Academy Facebook Group
Order your copy of “Start and Grow a Profitable Jewellery Business”
Register for the Stone Setting in Silver Jewellery Course
Find Jewellers Academy on Instagram and Facebook
Cabochon Setting
(also known as bezel setting)
Cabochon stones have a flat back and curved front and are often one of the first stone-setting types you learn as a jeweller.
Learn how in our Stone Setting in Silver online course
This technique is also included in the Diploma in Silver Jewellery
2. tube setting
Tube settings are used with faceted stones. You purchase the tube size to fit your gemstone
Learn how in our Stone Setting in Silver online course
This technique is also included in the Diploma in Silver Jewellery
3. Flush setting
(sometimes also referred to as a gypsy setting)
Flush set stones are set flush into flat or rounded metal. The top of the stone is in line with the metal.
Learn how in our Stone Setting in Silver online course
This technique is also included in the Diploma in Silver Jewellery
4. shaped cabochons
Once you have mastered setting round cabochons you can move on to more irregular shaped cabochons including rose-cut, square, pear-shaped etc
Learn how in our Setting Shaped Cabochons online course
This technique is also included in the Diploma in Silver Jewellery
5. collet setting
A collet setting is a ring of metal around a stone to hold it in place.
Learn how in our Collet Setting online course
This round collet setting technique is also included in the Diploma in Silver Jewellery
Other, more challenging shapes of collet setting are covered in the Diploma in Fine Jewellery
6. claw setting
(sometimes called basket setting)
This setting is done by creating a claw using wire to then hold the gemstones in place
Learn how in our Engagement Ring online course
This technique is also included in the Diploma in Silver Jewellery
7. micro claw setting
With this technique, you drill out holes for the stone and use the metal to create claws
You can learn this technique on the Advanced Jewellery Diploma
8. pave setting
This is a type of stone setting in which several small gemstones, often diamonds, are set closely together using graver tools.
You can learn this technique taught by master stone setter Scott McIntyre on the Advanced Jewellery Diploma
bonus - star setting
A gemstone is placed in the centre of an engraved star. Gravers are used to pull ‘beads’ of the metal across to hold the stone in place.
This technique is included in the Diploma in Fine Jewellery
9. tension setting
This setting uses the tension of the metal to hold the stone in place, usually used in ring designs
You can learn this technique taught by master stone setter Scott McIntyre on the Advanced Jewellery Diploma
10. channel setting
For this setting, you create a channel in the metal for stones to be set in a row.
Learn how in our Channel Setting online course.
jewellers academy diploma program
If you would like to learn jewellery making with support, accountability and mentoring then take a look at our Diploma program. These are one-year courses of supported online study.
Year 1: Diploma in Silver Jewellery
Year 2: Diploma in Fine Jewellery
Year 3: Advanced Diploma in Jewellery
Depending on your experience, you can join at any level. Click the button below to find out which will be best for you
If you would love to learn jewellery making or you would like to add to your current jewellery making skills take a look at our Makers Membership.
Many of these stone setting online courses are included in our Makers Membership, which gives you access to all our invidiual jewellery making courses (not Diploma courses)
It costs just £29 per month (no minimum commitment required, cancel yourself in your account) or £279 per year.
Find out more on the button below
Your next listen
Loving the idea of stone setting but want to get back to basics? Find out all about our free “10 Days of Silver Jewellery Making.” Jessica walks us through the 10 pieces of jewellery you’ll make as part of this course, and she explains how you can get involved for free. Jewellers at every skill and experience level are welcome!
