What would better stone setting do for your business and career?
Custom-made jewellery has a special place in the hearts of those who buy it, both for the story of its creation and the higher quality it promises. The quality of the stone setting work is one of the most visible attributes that display its value.
Unfortunately, many jewellers find that their setting skills are inflexible, inefficient and don't give the superior finish that their jewellery deserves. Opportunities to learn proper setting are rare; most classes and online courses are for hobbyists, or highly specialised but not suited to the styles of work most in demand.
Standout Stonesetting Academy was established with the goal of providing practical skills to the trade that are fast, neat and versatile. Emphasis is on teaching the underlying principles and developing the skills that are most in demand. We offer classes both in-house and online.
Stephen Webb
Founder and Teacher at Standout Stonesetting Academy
Complete start-to-finish coaching
Take out the guesswork, with structured classes and answers to all your questions
Practice materials supplied
All the mounts and stones you need to master the skills without the hassle
Amazing support
Detailed feedback and access to online resources keeps you on-track and moving fast
Erin K.
"I recently attended this online class... it was hands down the best stone setting class I've done. Stephen is such a great instructor. The sessions are straightforward and clear. The videos are easy to follow. The online portal with extra information is super beneficial. I'll be signing up for more!"
Harry
"Highly recommend, a well thought out methodical approach combined with clear communication and feedback really helps you grasp and learn the fundamentals of stone setting laying a great foundation for you to further your skills."
Erin E.
"Standout Stonesetting Academy is the answer that the Australian Jewellery industry has been crying out for far too long, providing courses to individuals who wish to learn how to set stones professionally.
I have been a jeweller for 12 years now and have always desired to set my own work. After attending an in person, modern bead work course and online bezels courses I now feel confident in knowing I can do what I have always dreamed of.
The amount of information and support that you receive is second to none, with high quality videos, zoom chats, practise pieces and an active Facebook support group.
Thank you so much Stephen for dedicating so much time to share you high level of expertise and knowledge to others, the trade will definitely benefit from it."
Alexandra
"Finally, Australia has now, not just a setting school, but a high-end setting school that not only covers the basics but extends beyond that to help and improve even experienced setters looking to take their work to the next level for those close-up social media and website photos. I highly recommend Stephen and his courses as they are well thought out, set out and take into consideration the working jeweller and the time involved. His advice and website are second to none. From making tools to the online tutorials with detailed videos as well as the zoom classes he has covered it all in extra detail. Having done other setting courses, I can honestly say Stephen is the best! I will definitely be back for all his classes."
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Our Approach to Stonesetting Education
Our mission is to equip our students with everything they need to be learning "on the job" and tackling the real-world problems as soon as possible.
So how is it possible to develop high-end professional skills without endless hours of unpaid practice?
With over two decades of experience in the industry, we've seen that stonesetting problems are always caused by a shortage of one (or more) of the three ingredients needed when learning to set, which we call "The 3 Ts" - Training, Tools and Time on the bench.
Tools
Having the right tools, combined and prepared in the right way, allows you to work safely and comfortably. In many cases, the right tools mean you don't have to choose between being fast and neat - both are possible.
Training
Trying to work things out for yourself takes a lifetime. With the right combination of materials, demonstrations, videos and personalized feedback, the path has been cleared for you to move ahead quickly.
Time
Learning valuable skills always takes time - but quality beats quantity. By structuring your practice properly and applying a simple benchmarking method, more of your "practice" is done on real paid work - and it's more fun too!
Everything we do at Standout Stonesetting focusses on streamlining these three ingredients, so you can be applying them to real jobs in record time. Take out the guesswork and learn real, tested, professional-level skills in an environment where results are the only truth.
Listen to Stephen on The Jeweller's Podcast
Brett and Laura talk with Stephen Webb, owner of Standout Stonesetting Academy, about the unique and specialised craft of stone and diamond setting. Listen in to hear what it takes to be a precision setter in the jewellery industry.
Listen now
Online courses
The online courses are equivalent to a 2-day in-house course, with all the same materials and personalized support. With the help of live Zoom classes and a library of on-demand content, students can practice with the mounts and stones provided, then submit photos and ask questions in the live feedback sessions.
These courses are best for learning skills in your own workshop, using practice kits, videos, worksheets and troubleshooting. Students find this format convenient because they don't have to travel, and the extra time between lessons allows more flexibility with their practice time.
Whichever way you learn from us, we are invested in your success. All students get the following:
- Detailed instruction from an experienced professional stone setter
- Plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get personalized feedback
- Worksheets and videos to guide you after the course has finished
- Ongoing access to the private online forum
And, you'll be part of our friendly community of jewellers who've all chosen to take their setting to the next level!
How do I join?
Places in our courses are limited, so we try to work with people who we believe will benefit the most.
When a course date is set, places are offered to people in the following order until sold out:
- Pre-registered their interest for that specific course (eg. The April bezels course)
- Registered their interested in that topic (eg. Bezel setting)
- Others on our mailing list
There is a fixed number of participants for each course, and once these positions are filled the payments page is closed.
All our recent courses have sold out within a few days of being announced, so make sure you register your interest now!
Registrations of interest are obligation free.
Register now to find out first!
Our Vision
We imagine a world where jewellers, setters and craftspeople can all earn a living doing meaningful work that they can show off and be proud of. Your customers deserve the best, and it's our mission to help you over-deliver that, profitably and regularly.