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Learn how to channel set gemstones, a popular choice for engagement and wedding rings, with experienced diamond setter, Niall Paisley. Channel setting offers a contemporary and secure method of embedding stones closely together into a band. This results in a sleek, flush line that accentuates the shank while safeguarding stones from potential chipping.

Niall will give you lots of tips and tricks on how to fold over enough metal to secure and envelop stones to a professional level without breaking them during the process; thereby keeping your stones straight, level and lining up in a perfect row.

“Niall is extremely generous in his tuition and sharing of knowledge. I have learned so much and have a true understanding of how to channel set, with knowledge of any problems that may arise and how to firstly avoid them, but also how to fix them when they do. I enjoyed the course so much I couldn’t wait to get back to my bench and practice what I learned in my own setting.”

Course participant

How will this course help my practice?

Delivered in person at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, this course will help you to:

• Contemporary aesthetic and durability: The channel setting creates a sleek and modern appearance, which is highly sought after, especially for special occasion jewellery like engagement and wedding rings. This technique not only looks appealing but also offers security by protecting stones from accidental chipping due to their closely nestled arrangement within the band.
• Enhanced precision and quality: The course offers valuable insights into how to fold over enough metal to secure and envelop stones professionally. This is essential for ensuring that stones are set securely without the risk of breakage during the setting process. Acquiring this skill allows you to maintain the alignment and uniformity of the stones, resulting in a perfect row of gems.
• Efficiency and cost-effectiveness: Understanding the tolerances between stone size and channel size is a skill that can optimise your production process. This knowledge prevents material wastage and ensures efficient use of resources, ultimately contributing to higher profitability.
• Operational efficiency: Beyond the artistic aspect, the course empowers you to efficiently prepare and adjust equipment. Learning to sharpen tools and adapt equipment to your needs streamlines your workflow, allowing you to produce pieces more quickly and effectively.
• Professional finishing techniques: We will not only focus on setting stones, but also emphasise the importance of finishing and preparing work for polishing to achieve commercial-grade finishes. This attention to detail in the final stages of your jewellery piece can significantly elevate the perceived value of your work and will speak to higher-end clients.

Our small class size offers the chance to explore this modern technique with a leading contemporary master offering both group guidance and 1:1 time with your tutor Depen your understanding and expertise in the specialist skill of traditional hand setting.

What does this course cover?

• Preparing the setting using burrs and setting tools to cut the seat.
• How to set princess stones in a full eternity ring style.
• How to set brilliant cut stones in a half eternity ring style.
• Step by step demonstration followed by a series of practical setting exercises to build up confidence and understanding of the pavé setting technique.
• Troubleshooting and problem solving.

What do I need to bring with me?

• Basic tool kit.
• Protective clothing or clothing you do not mind getting dirty e.g. apron, and closed toe shoes.

Optional:

• Spectacles or head visor (if required) to work on small details.
• You can bring your own spritz stick, scorper and other setting tools.
• Notebook and pen.

What will I be provided with?

• Drill bits and burrs as required.
•  CZ’s in required size and quantity.
• Silver ring blank.
• All tools including Spritz stick, scorper and pusher.
• Files and other materials to make some tools.
• Buff sticks.

Who is this course designed for?

• Intermediate: Some practical experience and understanding of the listed skill required.
• Advanced: Practicing craftsperson looking to further an existing skill.

In order to benefit most from this course, participants should have experience of being in a workshop environment and able to work independently on basic tasks such as drilling, and filing, you should also have good control of the pendant motor and a good grasp of cutting with scorpers.

Can I receive financial support to access this course?

We believe that talent should not be held back. Here at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, we are open, accessible and inclusive to all. Our Access Grants help anyone to build thriving creative careers, supporting jewellers, silversmiths and allied industry practitioners to access our training courses for free.

If you need help to cover fees for our business and technical skills short courses, please apply for one of our Access Grants. To find out more and read our application criteria, click here

The Access Grants are delivered by the Goldsmiths' Centre and funded by the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity.

I want to upskill my team. How do I make a group booking?

If you run a business and you would like to book multiple people from your team onto our training courses, please complete our online enquiry form at www.goldsmiths-centre.org/learn-and-upskill/training-courses-jewellery-and-allied-industries

Once you have selected the training course you would like to attend, you will be presented with dates and prices and your booking will be confirmed when payment has been received.

Who is the tutor?

Niall Paisley embarked on his jewellery career in 1989, where he undertook a 5-year apprenticeship with B&B Setting under his Master Eddy Brown. Following this, Niall spent the next 10 years setting stones as an outworker for various names and companies, including Cartier and Leo de Vroomen. In 2005 Niall opened his own shop in Greenwich, specialising in bespoke jewellery and also ran a gallery that supported 40-50 young jewellery designers from the UK. In between all of this, Niall has taught Setting at Holts Academy and now teaches on our Apprenticeship Scheme here at the Goldsmiths’ Centre. Niall is a fellow of the IPG and has also judged the Setting section of the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council awards.