Tell me about it

Ready to take your stone-setting skills to the next level? You've learned the foundations of stone setting, you've discovered what those little bits of metal can do, and now you're ready for something a little more adventurous!

Welcome to Intermediate Stone Setting: Flush & Pavé, our two-day Professional Class at Vanilla Ink CIC in Glasgow. This course introduces you to two beautiful and versatile techniques used throughout contemporary and traditional jewellery making: flush setting and pavé setting.

From gemstones sitting perfectly within the surface of metal to intricate arrangements of sparkling stones, these techniques open up a whole new world of design possibilities. Working with an experienced Master Goldsmith and Stone Setter, you'll learn how to prepare your tools, cut accurate settings and secure gemstones using traditional hand-setting techniques.

We'll explore the importance of precision, control and careful preparation, giving you the practical skills to start incorporating these techniques into your own jewellery. And because we're Vanilla Ink, we'll show you how to achieve beautiful, professional results without spending a small fortune on equipment!

Can I do this class?

If you've already dipped your toes into stone setting and you're ready to develop your skills, this is your next adventure! This is an intermediate-level Professional Class, so you'll need to be comfortable with basic jewellery-making techniques, including soldering, saw-piercing and filing.

Some previous stone-setting experience is recommended, particularly an understanding of how gemstones are secured within metal. Our Introduction to Stone Setting: Claw & Bezel course is an excellent starting point, but equivalent experience gained elsewhere is absolutely fine.

You don't need to be an accomplished stone setter. You'll be here to learn, experiment and improve! Not sure whether you've got the right experience? Just get in touch and we'll happily help you decide.

What happens?

Over two full days, you'll explore flush and pavé setting through practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises. We'll focus on the tools, preparation and techniques that make accurate stone setting possible, giving you the opportunity to develop greater control and confidence at the bench.

Day One: Flush Setting

Flush setting allows gemstones to sit beautifully within the surface of metal, creating a clean, contemporary finish without the need for raised claws or bezels.

You'll learn how to:

• Make and maintain your own flush-setting tools

• Prepare metal and cut accurate seats for gemstones

• Flush set and finish a round gemstone

• Flush set and finish a square gemstone

You'll develop an understanding of how metal is moved and controlled around a gemstone, building the precision needed for successful flush setting.

Day Two: Pavé Setting

Next, we'll explore the wonderful world of pavé, where carefully positioned gemstones and tiny beads of metal work together to create beautiful, sparkling surfaces.

You'll learn how to:

• Prepare and maintain the tools required for pavé setting

• Prepare and pavé set gemstones in a straight line

• Explore star setting and its distinctive decorative finish

Throughout the weekend, you'll receive practical demonstrations, technical guidance and plenty of opportunities to practise your new skills. By the end of the course, you'll have developed a stronger understanding of intermediate stone-setting techniques and gained the confidence to continue practising at your own bench.

And we suspect you'll already be dreaming up all sorts of new designs!

Our Approach to Stone Setting

Exceptional stone setting doesn't require exceptionally expensive equipment. At Vanilla Ink, we teach traditional, professional stone-setting techniques using simple, affordable tools. No fancy machinery, no enormous investment. Just knowledge, precision and a few surprisingly useful bits of wood and steel!

Our approach comes from decades of experience at the bench, and we've even written a book about it. We believe that beautiful, high-quality stone setting should be achievable for every jeweller, regardless of their equipment budget.

We'll teach you the skills, not sell you the tools.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring a sketchbook or notebook for taking notes. There's plenty of technical information to absorb, and you'll definitely want something to refer back to.

Glasses or Optivisors are mandatory for this class. Flush and pavé setting involve extremely precise work, so suitable magnification is essential. If you're unsure what you'll need, please get in touch before booking.

We'll provide all the metal, gemstones, tools and materials required for the course. Everyone will have their own fully equipped jeweller's bench, with access to our specialist stone-setting tools. However, if you have your own tools that you're comfortable using, you're very welcome to bring them along.

Please tie back long hair, avoid open-toed shoes and keep loose-fitting clothing to a minimum.

The details

🔨 Two-day Professional Class
🕑 10am - 6pm [we take a one-hour lunch break between 1pm – 2pm]
📅 Choose your date from the dropdown below

Why book with Vanilla Ink CIC?

At Vanilla Ink, we believe developing your jewellery-making skills should be exciting, rewarding and accessible, whatever stage you're at in your creative journey. Our Professional Classes are designed to help jewellers develop practical skills, build confidence and discover new possibilities at the bench.

We're also a Community Interest Company, which means every class you book helps us deliver creative programmes supporting people experiencing disadvantage, isolation and barriers to opportunity. Through jewellery making, we help people develop skills, build confidence and connect with their communities.

Educate. Inspire. Empower. That's what we're all about.

All prices are inclusive of VAT
Students must be 16+ years
Good eyesight and hand dexterity is essential
Please read our full Ts & Cs and Cancellation Policies before booking

Vanilla Ink CIC
60 Brook Street
Glasgow
G40 2AB