Home > Explore Careers > In The Workshop > Setter
As a setter, you are part of the workshop manufacturing team, creating high-quality set products in various metals, from 9ct gold through to platinum.
You are a specialist in the art and craft of setting all cuts of diamonds and gemstones in a wide range of styles.
In your progression from apprentice to junior to setter to senior setter, you build competency and proficiency across setting: claw, rubover, pave, fishtail, channel and grain. Microsetting should also be in your skillset.
As in integral part of manufacturing, you liaise with the CAD, design and sales teams – no two days are the same.
You carry out quality checks on your own work and hold yourself to a high standard:
Length of Training
3-7 Years
Salary Expectations
£20,000
Qualification Requirements
Experience
In traditional goldsmith training, apprentices were contractually bound to a master for seven years in exchange for learning their craft. At the end, the apprentice would make and present a ‘masterpiece’ to be ‘made free,’ becoming a ‘freeman’ of the trade guild.
At this point, they were called a ‘journeyman,’ on the journey to earning credentials in the workshop. Only when they’d honed their craft could they take on an apprentice and become a ‘master.’
You start this career as a pre-apprentice (level 3), moving to apprentice (also level 3), trainee, junior, setter, experienced setter and senior setter.
Knowledge
• Confident in managing your workload and meeting deadlines
• Provide excellent customer service
• Build long-standing customer relationships
• Experience in a wide range of jewellery
• Share ideas and suggestions with colleagues and customers
• Confident in all setting techniques: claw, rubover, pave, fishtail, channel and grain
• Experience in microsetting
• Familiar with all precious gemstones
Skills
• Strong hand–eye coordination
• Work quickly and efficiently
• Exceptional time management
• Critical thinker and problem solver
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
Personal Attributes
• Can-do attitude
• Exceptional eye for detail
• Strong work ethic
• Well organised and focused
• Team player
• Articulate
• Passionate about your work
• Enthusiasm for high-quality product
Qualification Requirements
You have a technical background, with a setting apprenticeship, technical training or HND.
Role Also Called
Diamond setter, Gemstone setter, Microsetter, Diamond and gem setter, Junior diamond setter, Junior setter, Stone setter
