Bezel setting with pre-formed tube
Bezel setting can, at first, seem a relatively simple prospect... pop the stone in and push the wall over, what's difficult about it? Well, if you've had a go and it's not quite turned out how you expected, you'll know exactly what issues!
We go the extra mile here at Vanilla Ink... we will talk about how to sit, how to hold your push tool and the principles behind what we call 'basic technique' - the art of using your body to the maximum effect when it comes to setting.
In this tutorial, you'll be introduced to a way of setting that will make life easier and more efficient for you, ensuring crisp, perfect settings every time. But don't forget to keep practising!
What will you learn?
This video introduces you to the basics of bezel setting. While we are using pre-formed tube to work with, once you learn how to address and deal with the principles of pushing the edge over the stone, you'll be able to take what you've learned and put it into practice not only with tube but your own handmade settings too. Yes, this video is an introductory one, but it's a gigantic step up that will lay the foundations for you as you progress through our content. In particular, the section on how to sit and hold your push tool is one of the most important things you will learn as a setter.
What skills do you need?
Have you got the skills to create your jewellery but are fed up either outsourcing your setting work or avoiding those pretty little stones altogether? Then this is for you!
But please note that you need to have a good understanding of jewellery making. Knowledge of basic jewellery techniques is required. Fundamental skills such as soldering, filing and saw piercing are essential to take this course. You can't run before you can walk. This is for people with little, basic or no knowledge of stone setting skills. If you have any questions or want to check if this is for you, please do not hesitate to ask.
What's possible?
Once you've completed this course, and have practiced, 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
These dangly drop earrings used lovely heirloom diamonds as the stars of the show. They were very simply set in 18ct white gold tube settings. Classy jewellery doesn't need to be complicated
Multiple
As you progress, you can attach several bezel settings together. Usually, this would mean in the head of a ring, or as a pendant like like this colourful meandering drop necklace
Stackers
Several different rings with bezel settings all spaced out, meaning there are so many different combinations to choose from! These stackers held a whole multitude of different diamonds
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 videos 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
5mm setting burr
Push tool
Dopstick
Setter’s wax
Flat file
Burnisher/graver/scorper
Oil/lube
Toothbrush
Optivisors/eye loupe
Materials
6mm o/d tube
5mm CZs
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