Introduction to stone setting: raised grain setting
- Course Code: VV360
- Dates: 15/06/24 - 29/06/24
- Time: 10:00 - 17:00
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Rae Duncan
Course Code: VV360
Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
You will be introduced to the grain-setting techniques for small faceted stones. You will be guided to practise this technique on a flat copper sheet; become confident using grain-setting and engraving tools to raise the metal beads, which form prongs for the stones. Once you are more confident you will work towards setting a row of grain set stones in a ring.
What will we cover?
- Identifying the specialist tool needed for grain setting, their application, and where to source them.
- Adapting and sharpening tools specifically for grain setting.
- Selecting appropriate stones for this technique.
- Raising grains, first on flat copper sheet, before progressing to a ring.
- Preparing metal for setting; measuring, marking, aligning and setting faceted stone into metal.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify the specialist tools used for grain setting, their application and where to buy them.
- Adapt and sharpen tools safely.
- Recognise and select appropriate stones for grain setting.
- Prepare, align and set stones using raised grains/beads.
- Apply health and safety best practice in the jewellery workshop
- Contribute to peer discussion.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for those with experience of jewellery-making. You should be able to cut, pierce, drill and file metal, and be confident in basic setting including rub-over bezel setting, and flush/gypsy setting.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through practical demonstrations both to the group and to individuals. Group discussions and feedback are encouraged.
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.
We will provide saw blades, sandpaper, burrs and various cubic zirconia gemstones for you to practice with.
If you wish to progress onto using silver, you will be advised where and how much to purchase.
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.
Browse our current online offer for complimentary courses.
Studied at Plymouth College of Art, Middlesex University and Harrow College. Teaching Specialisms are press forming, casting/wax carving, stone mounting/setting and tool making. Rae has taught at many London Colleges including London Met, Newham College and Citylit. Rae has exhibited at Goldsmiths Hall, New Ashgate Gallery and Electrum Gallery to name a few. His commissioned work has included clients such as Next, Smash Hits music awards, prototyping for Vivienne Westwood and more recently, restoration of the original architectural model of the Sydney Opera House for the Engineering the World exhibition at the V+A. and hundreds of individual commissions through his shop. Crafts Council Selected maker. Rae is also a trained musical instrument maker, specialising in violins, violas, classical and flamenco guitars.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.