The importance of a solid foundation
Bead/pavé setting and split claw ("castle") setting are the most common "small-stone" styles of setting used in custom-made jewellery. High-quality setting work with level tables and crisp bright cutting is an effective point-of-difference when customers scroll through images on social media.
Sadly, many jewellers struggle to do this quality of work reliably and profitably. Traditional hand-push setting relies on graver-control skills that are slow to learn, and even experienced traditional setters may struggle to get the Insta-worthy neatness that customers love. Investing in a microscope and power-assist machine is a step in the right direction, but this introduces its own problems that can be difficult to solve without help.
Most online setting videos demonstrate the ability of that setter, but don't show you how to actually achieve that - just like watching an olympic gymnast perform an amazing floor routine doesn't help you to do it yourself! It's very common for jewellers to come to a stand-still, where the setting tools they've invested in aren't paying for themselves or giving the results they really want.
By joining an in-person class where everything is taught in a clear and logical sequence, you'll not only understand all the basics needed to start working neatly and efficiently, but also lay the foundations for rapidly improving and expanding your skills in the future.
To learn professional-level skills in a short timeframe, there's no question - intensive in-person training is the best.
Expert guidance
Take out the guesswork, with structured classes and immediate answers to all your questions
Fully equipped workshop
Experience a perfectly set up microscope, pneumatic and exactly the right tools
Extended support
Continue making progress with our videos, worksheets and support forum.
The advantages of mastering the modern bench
Typically, bench workers have to choose between spending the time to make their work neater, or cutting corners to be more productive. While an intelligent balance will always have to be found, setters who've mastered the skills of the microscope and power-assist experience a net gain: they can significantly improve their quality without losing speed, or they can work faster without sacrificing quality.
These benefits don't come automatically though. The microscope reduces the focal area the setter can work within, which can lead to poor posture and constant refocusing, and the power-assist machine can be ineffective if not configured properly. Graver sharpening and workholding are also common challenges that discourage even the most experienced setters as they attempt to upgrade their equipment.
To avoid these roadblocks, the right tools need to be chosen, then configured in ways that are proven to work. Learning the fundamentals of bead and micro setting isn't easy, but with today's tools and intensive training, a jeweller can develop these skills in a few weeks as opposed to many months of a traditional apprenticeship. Once this has been done, the benefits start to roll in:
Stunning work
Working under magnification means you can see exactly what you're doing, as you do it.
More design options
With a knowledge of gravers and the extra control of power-assist, many new techniques are unlocked.
Less stone damage
Greater visibility and control helps you work more accurately.
Complete security
Be confident that the stones are completely secured, 100% of the time.
Stay profitable
Add more value to your product, while working efficiently.
Courses
Each of the courses listed below is 5 days long, and can be taken consecutively (up to 4 weeks) or at different times. All are hosted at our fully-equipped teaching studio in Adelaide, South Australia, and supplemented by a growing library of online tutorials you can refer back to in the months ahead.
Beginner
The Fundamentals
5 days in-person
This is the most important course, covering all the fundamentals for setting small stones with a powered graver and microscope.
Get set up
Having the right tools, in the right condition, is essential for your work and your health.
Your bench may *look* like the perfect workspace, but there are many subtle things that can be holding you back. You'd be amazed by how many critical mistakes we've already solved for our students! Includes bench design, equipment choices, microscope setup, and much more.
Essential skills
Our carefully planned sequence of exercises allows you to develop a full range of skills, from basic cutting to completed practice plates. Includes graver sharpening, bright cutting, and bead & castle setting with perfect corners!
Intermediate
The Trade Essentials
5 days in-person
In this course we apply the basics to the practical work that’s most in demand in the setting trade. At the end of this course many people find that they are ready to take on common professional jobs, and can start to getting "paid to practice" on real work.
Common jobs
Exercises reflect the types of "Bread and Butter" work that jewellers and setters see cross their bench every day, like wedders, halo arrangements, fishtail and more. Learn to do these at a professional standard and a profitable speed.
Common hurdles
Being able to set a practice mount is a great achievement, but it's the real-world variations that trip you up, and we take these seriously. Learn how to deal with issues such as coloured/fragile stones, workholding problems, obstructed areas and curved surfaces. And as always, ask the teacher anything!
Advanced
The Next Level
5 days in-person
The advanced course is where we go beyond the everyday work, and look at the things that make a setter truly exceptional. Uniform and complex pavé, ornate shapes, stars, large stones and more. Whether you aim to be a versatile setter who can handle a variety of trade work, or you need to be able to execute your own designs at a world-class level, the exercises in this course will set you above the rest. These are the techniques Stephen has been using for his most ornate and technical setting jobs for the last 25 years.
Frequently asked questions
Who are these courses for?
What tools do I need?
How much will I learn?
Recent Classes
Amanda E
"I can’t thank Stephen enough for being such a brilliant teacher and giving me the opportunity to make my dreams a reality."
Harry R
"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."
Romel S
Stephen Webb is an exceptional teacher with a deep passion for the Australian jewellery industry. Whether you're an experienced bench jeweller seeking to refine your stone setting skills, or someone who has attempted to learn stone setting but hasn't yet mastered the professional techniques, Stephen is committed to guiding you through every aspect of the stone setting craft. From equipment setup and foundational principles to expert trade secrets and artistic techniques, his intensive week-long training is packed with “A-ha!” moments and invaluable insights.
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 first offered to people who have pre-registered their interest on the course details page. You can do this by clicking one of the course dates below.
A friendly "pathway check" process ensures that only the right people are invited to attend. We are committed to getting you the results you expect, and part of our service is guiding people towards long-term success, which includes giving constructive feedback if we feel the course isn't right for them yet.
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.
Upcoming Course Dates
Held in our teaching studio in Adelaide, South Australia.
Pre-registration is open now; click for details and pricing
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.
