Introduction to stone setting: flush and gypsy setting

What is the course about?

You will be introduced to flush setting techniques for round stones, in which stones are set level with the surface of a metal form. There will be an opportunity to practise this technique on a flat and curved surface, to apply your own
design and create your own bespoke setting tool.

What will we cover?

- Making your own setting tool, tool care and repair.
- Producing a flat and curved sample to practise flush setting.
- The relationship between the size of stones and the thickness of metal.
- Stone hardnesses and how this is related to this technique.
- Measuring stones accurately using the Vernier gauge
- The specialist tools needed to set stones level into the metal.
- Your own design ideas and their suitability for flush setting.
- There will be extension exercises in tube setting.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Flush set round facetted gemstones into the surface of metal
- Make and adapt your own setting tools
- Measure using the Vernier gauge (callipers)
- Identify the tools needed to flush set stones
- Identify the suitability of your design for flush setting.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is designed for people who are reasonably confident in basic jewellery making skills – able to cut, file
and join metal. You do not have to have had any experience of stone setting.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

If you need to check your level, please contact Visual Arts on 0203 880 2415.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught through demonstrations and photographic examples of jewellery that show how the above skills
are developed. Support and advice by the tutor will be given throughout the whole course.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

City Lit provides most of the basic tools and equipment you will need for jewellery-making.
We also provide basic materials in reasonable quantities, such as base metals (copper and brass), chemicals and
sundries.
If you would like to further develop the technique you will be guided on where to buy gemstones and silver if
required. We will provide saw blades, sandpaper, burrs and various cubic zirconia gemstones for you to practice with.

You are advised that sensible footwear must be worn in studio 308. For health and safety reasons, no sandals,
open shoes or small pumps can be worn, even in hot weather.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit offer a wide range of short and year-long courses in Jewellery design and making, from beginners to advanced, and for professional development.

Suitable follow-on courses may include:

VV362 - Introduction to stone setting: casting with stones
VV360 - Introduction to stone setting: raised grain setting
VV131 - Sketchbooks for jewellers

Your tutor will be able to advise you on your course.