Introduction to diamonds
Gypsy setting, often called flush setting is a technique to set a small round and brilliant cut faceted stone on a metal surface. On this course you will be introduced to the principles and applications of this versatile technique, including making your own bespoke setting tools.
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 29 Nov 2025End Date: 29 Nov 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00In PersonFull fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £129.00
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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.
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 & small pumps can be worn – even in hot weather. Please bring your own apron and safety glasses. If you need to check your level, please contact Visual Arts on 0207 492 2700.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
VV362 Introduction to stone setting: casting with stones
VV697 Jewellery: stone setting 11
VV125 Jewellery: soldering workshop
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.