Flush setting round stones
Flush setting is very similar in principle to bezel setting, in that the edge of the metal is pushed over and finished crisply on the inside. Only this time, there’s no wall to deal with as the stone sits snugly within the metal.
From what we can tell, there are a variety of methods that setters choose to flush set, from only using a quick burnish to clicking stones into place... yikes. Ain't no way we're doing that.
Here at Vanilla Ink, we firmly believe we should be ensuring the stones are solidly in place while giving ourselves the best chance of achieving a professional finish. We use extra measures that mean the stone is rock solid in the setting but is perfectly surrounded by a beautiful inside edge.
This course will show you the step-by-step techniques you'll need to perfect the art of flush setting!
What will you learn?
By the end of this course, you'll know exactly how to flush set round stones with ease! We will go into great detail about drilling and opening up holes in the metal to the correct margins, alongside just why that's important. We will go through each phase step by step before we get into the nitty gritty of our VI version of how to flush set. We go the extra step and will teach you how to get the inside edge over securely, then lead you through the next stage of finishing that inside edge to a shiny and smooth standard! Learning this technique will properly improve your skills as a stone setter!
What skills do you need?
Maybe you can claw set and bezel set with ease, but you’re still avoiding the more tricky techniques or continuing to outsource. This is the course for you! But to understand and cope with the skill level, you’ll need to have an excellent understanding of jewellery making. Knowledge of basic to moderate jewellery techniques is most definitely required. Skills such as soldering, filing and saw piercing are essential. Prior experience with scorpers/gravers is most definitely handy but not a dealbreaker. You’ll need good control with a pendant motor and have some experience drilling holes.
What's possible?
Once you've completed this course, and have practised, practised, practised, what kind of setting work could you achieve?
Well, let's take a look at some previous Vanilla Ink commissions as inspiration.
Simple
A single flush set stone can often look great in a lovely, softened outer setting, just like this beautiful 22ct gold engagement ring, which was set with a lovely bright 25pt diamond
Something extra
A flush set stone can often be strategically put in place on a piece of jewellery to enhance or highlight an area. This anatomical 18ct yellow gold pendant deserved its extra diamond!
Go wild!
Who says that flush set stones have to be solitary animals? How about this 'Aero' ring, designed
and created by Scott for his stone setting manual as an example of great flush setting
Meet your tutor
Scott McIntyre is the founder and Creative Director of Vanilla Ink CIC, and a Master Goldsmith and Setter. He is responsible for commissions and class content, leading the creative policies, and shaping how the company looks and sounds. With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, there isn’t much Scott doesn’t know!
His jewellery journey began early, embarking on an apprenticeship when he was just sixteen in one of Glasgow's top workshops. In his career, he has picked up an extensive set of skills, learning from a variety of other jewellers while creating and finely tuning his own techniques.
After years of plying his trade across Scotland’s Central Belt, he found his calling as a naturally gifted tutor. Scott has a wonderful ability to connect with his students, making sure everyone feels at ease and ensuring that each student leaves his sessions with a far greater knowledge of jewellery making. His abilities, patience and tolerance are famous, as is his love of a life-enhancing playlist. In recent years, his book ‘Stone Setting’ was published. How fancy.
Diagnosed as autistic as an adult, Scott has always been open and honest about his mental health and aims to use his own experiences to help others who are struggling or have had similar issues in the past.
How we teach
How our online classes look and feel, alongside the way you'll learn
Relaxed and personable
Our courses make you feel like we're right there, talking to you. They are relaxed and are filmed in a flowing, uncomplicated way that's easy to follow
Close ups
We realise that this kind of content is tricky and intricate. This means it requires being as close up and personal to the action as possible
Multiple angles
We filmed with multiple cameras to give you the complete experience. The tutorials are delivered with the right shot at the right time
What's included
What you'll need
Tools
Flush setting tool
Ring clamp
1mm hand drill
Shank drill - 1mm, 1.5mm
Ball burr - 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm
Setting burr - 3mm
Oil / lube
Toothbrush
Optivisors / eye loupe
Burnisher
Materials
Ring blank - 5.5mm wide, 2.5mm deep [approx]
3mm CZs
Other Vanilla Ink Courses
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