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There are many ways to grain set stones. This two-day short course will cover the most up-to-date methods of using air tools and microscopes to arrange diamonds and precious stones cleanly and seamlessly across a surface.

Under expert tuition from award-winning goldsmith Harry Forster-Stringer, join our short course, which will cover micro-setting skills through demonstration and individual practice.

“The course was great. I learnt a lot more about stone setting and not only how the air tool works. A friendly and nice environment reassuring me when I didn’t know the answers!”

Course participant

Our small class size offers you the chance to get group as well as individual guidance and 1:1 time with your tutor, allowing you to receive tailored advice to deepen your knowledge and understanding of this setting technique. 

How will this course help my practice?

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

• Minimised Risk: Air tools provide better control when working with delicate gemstones. They reduce the risk of damaging stones or surrounding metal during the setting process, making them particularly useful for setting softer stones or intricate designs.
• Higher Efficiency: This method can lead to faster and more efficient stone setting. This increased efficiency can save you time, allowing you to take on more projects and potentially increase your earnings.
• Versatility: Air tools are versatile. They can be used for a range of stone-setting techniques and streamline the process, yielding more consistent results.
• Complex Designs: For intricate jewellery designs or pieces with multiple stones to set, air tools can simplify the process. You can work with confidence to achieve complex designs that may have been more challenging with traditional tools.

What does this course cover?

You will learn how to:

• set up your bench to work effectively.
• set up a microscope, handpiece and control.
• prepare tools (including tool sharpening and polishing for bright cutting, especially carbide gravers).
• make specialised tools for setting.
• mark up and prepare for drilling and setting.
• use the tools whilst under supervision and with expert guidance.
• reate one piece that you can take home with you and enjoy.
• best source the equipment needed.
• grain-set stones using different techniques: pavé, flush and (time permitting) fishtail setting.

What do I need to bring with me?

• Protective clothing or clothing you do not mind getting dirty (e.g. an apron), and closed-toe shoes.
• Two pairs of accurate dividers.
• One scriber.
• One flat graver N40.
• One spitz stick N4/0.
• One spitz stick N5/0.
• Your own gravers and spitz sticks.

Optional:

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

What will I be provided with?

• Stones.
• Drill bits.
• Burrs.
• Beading tools.
• Practice plates.
• GRS equipment.

Who is this course designed for and what are the experience level requirements?

Advanced: A practising craftsperson looking to further their existing setting skills.

This course is designed for experienced makers who already have good control of the pendant motor and a confident grasp of cutting with scorpers and gravers. You should be comfortable with traditional grain setting and ready to transfer those skills to air-assisted tools and working under a microscope. The focus is on precision, tool preparation and efficient bench set-up, so that you can apply micro-setting techniques confidently in your own workshop.

Do you have any access requirements?

We are committed to making our training programmes and events as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you have any access requirements, please inform us as early as possible so we can make the necessary arrangements. While we will do our best to accommodate your needs, advance notice is essential to ensure we can provide appropriate support.

To discuss your requirements when booking tickets for our Goldsmiths’ Centre training programmes, please contact us at boxoffice@goldsmiths-centre.org.

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 via the Goldsmiths’ Foundation. 

Who is the tutor?

Harry Forster-Stringer is an award-winning professional goldsmith, engraver and enameller based in Nottingham with over 40 years’ trade experience. Starting as a mounter in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, he made the jump to setting 30 years ago. He now covers a variety of techniques such as stone setting, micro-setting and hand engraving, as well as enamelling skills acquired under the tutelage of the late Phil Barnes, a respected master engraver and enameller. He is a highly experienced tutor at the Goldsmiths’ Centre and a successful consultant in the jewellery industry.