Rub-Over Setting with Air Tools with Harry Forster-Stringer (Part 1), Fri 12 March 2027, 9.30am–4.30pm, £309, Goldsmiths’ Centre
Discover the process of creating the perfect halo effect using air tools for rub-over set stones in this one-day short course with practising goldsmith, setter, engraver and enameller Harry Forster-Stringer. You will get to grips with the fundamentals of rub-over setting using air tools and microscopes, focusing on classic round and oval shapes. Refine your craftsmanship and master one of the most sought-after setting styles in contemporary jewellery design.
Rub-over setting is an intricate skill and requires finesse – it is about achieving the delicate balance between stone security, optimal metal usage and a flawless, luminous finish. This short course is tailored to enhance your micro-setting skills using air tools with confidence and precision, offering the perfect complement to our Setting with Air Tools course.
The follow-up to this course is Rub-Over Setting with Air Tools with Harry Forster-Stringer (Part 2), which focuses on setting more complex stone shapes, including pear, princess and emerald cuts.
How will this course help my practice?
Delivered in person at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, this course will help you with:
- Effective bench setup: Learn how to set up your bench for optimal productivity while grasping the importance of maintaining an organised and ergonomic workspace.
- Microscope and tool proficiency: Gain insights into the world of precision work by learning how to use a microscope and control air tools for an impeccable finish on simple stone shapes.
- Tool preparation and maintenance expertise: Acquire the essential skills to prepare and sharpen tools, including carbide gravers for bright-cut settings. Understand the significant role that custom tools, and their maintenance, play in achieving precise results.
- Hands-on practical training: Gain practical experience through observing live demonstrations, hands-on tool usage and personalised guidance under expert supervision.
- Versatile stone setting: Develop your setting techniques and processes using air tools, focusing on round and oval stones, to build your confidence with the tools and equipment.
- Tips and tricks of the trade: Receive invaluable insights into the industry, including expert tips on sourcing essential equipment and insider tricks from a well-established professional in the trade.
Our small class size offers you the chance to receive both group and one-to-one guidance from your tutor. Experience the modern technique of setting with air tools first-hand and benefit from personalised attention from a prominent contemporary master.
What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring with you:
- 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.
Optional:
- You can bring your own spitz stick, scorper and other setting tools.
- Spectacles or a head visor (if required) to work on small details.
You will be provided with:
- Stones in the size and quantity required.
- A silver setting wheel to set round and oval stones in different sizes.
- All GRS equipment required for the course.
Who is this course designed for and what are the experience level requirements?
Advanced: Significant experience and a strong command of techniques required.
Participants at the advanced level should have extensive experience working independently in a workshop and be proficient in a wide range of techniques, including precision piercing, advanced soldering, stone setting and metal finishing. They are expected to tackle complex projects with minimal guidance, demonstrate creative problem-solving and apply advanced technical skills with accuracy and attention to detail. This level will focus on mastery, innovation and preparing participants to produce professional-quality work.
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 by 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.
Ticket options
Discover the process of creating the perfect halo effect using air tools for rub-over set stones in this one-day short course with practising goldsmith, setter, engraver and enameller Harry Forster-Stringer. You will get to grips with the fundamentals of rub-over setting using air tools and microscopes, focusing on classic round and oval shapes. Refine your craftsmanship and master one of the most sought-after setting styles in contemporary jewellery design.
Rub-over setting is an intricate skill and requires finesse – it is about achieving the delicate balance between stone security, optimal metal usage and a flawless, luminous finish. This short course is tailored to enhance your micro-setting skills using air tools with confidence and precision, offering the perfect complement to our Setting with Air Tools course.
The follow-up to this course is Rub-Over Setting with Air Tools with Harry Forster-Stringer (Part 2), which focuses on setting more complex stone shapes, including pear, princess and emerald cuts.
How will this course help my practice?
Delivered in person at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, this course will help you with:
- Effective bench setup: Learn how to set up your bench for optimal productivity while grasping the importance of maintaining an organised and ergonomic workspace.
- Microscope and tool proficiency: Gain insights into the world of precision work by learning how to use a microscope and control air tools for an impeccable finish on simple stone shapes.
- Tool preparation and maintenance expertise: Acquire the essential skills to prepare and sharpen tools, including carbide gravers for bright-cut settings. Understand the significant role that custom tools, and their maintenance, play in achieving precise results.
- Hands-on practical training: Gain practical experience through observing live demonstrations, hands-on tool usage and personalised guidance under expert supervision.
- Versatile stone setting: Develop your setting techniques and processes using air tools, focusing on round and oval stones, to build your confidence with the tools and equipment.
- Tips and tricks of the trade: Receive invaluable insights into the industry, including expert tips on sourcing essential equipment and insider tricks from a well-established professional in the trade.
Our small class size offers you the chance to receive both group and one-to-one guidance from your tutor. Experience the modern technique of setting with air tools first-hand and benefit from personalised attention from a prominent contemporary master.
What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring with you:
- 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.
Optional:
- You can bring your own spitz stick, scorper and other setting tools.
- Spectacles or a head visor (if required) to work on small details.
You will be provided with:
- Stones in the size and quantity required.
- A silver setting wheel to set round and oval stones in different sizes.
- All GRS equipment required for the course.
Who is this course designed for and what are the experience level requirements?
Advanced: Significant experience and a strong command of techniques required.
Participants at the advanced level should have extensive experience working independently in a workshop and be proficient in a wide range of techniques, including precision piercing, advanced soldering, stone setting and metal finishing. They are expected to tackle complex projects with minimal guidance, demonstrate creative problem-solving and apply advanced technical skills with accuracy and attention to detail. This level will focus on mastery, innovation and preparing participants to produce professional-quality work.
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 by 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.
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