Jewelry professions
Gem setter
Gem setter
Job profile
The role of a gem setter is to set precious stones (diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds) or ornamental stones (turquoise, lapis lazuli, onyx, etc.) on jewelery pieces. Ensconced within the precious metal, each stone is secured with precision to reveal its full beauty and brilliance.
Gem setters use various techniques to secure stones, including prong, bead, closed and baguette settings.
They work with small brushes, wax and miniature knives known as “burins.”
“de Mains en mains” introduces the jewelry professions and makes them accessible to all
The initiative
“The basics are a feel for touching, building and using your hands, not to mention creativity. In the field of gem setting, I think passion is the number one criterion.”
Laurent
Prerequisites: middle school or high school diploma
Skills
Discover the three key attributes of a gem setter.
Precision
A stone has to fit perfectly within the setting, down to the millimeter! Different stones exhibit varied levels of hardness.
Observation
This step calls for in-depth knowledge of metals.
Restraint
The goal is to secure the stone... without breaking it!
Tools
The main tools of the gem setter
Crimping stick
Wooden handle on which the piece is fixed using previously heated wax. It allows to hold the piece firmly while handling it from all angles to set it with precision.
Bezel pusher
Used in engraving or setting. It is a cuttingtool taking many forms: straight, curved, oval, etc.
"Perloir"
Hand tool made of a cylindrical steel rod with an end hollowed out in the shape of a half-sphere, it is used to shape metal to round it.
Talc doll
The talc doll acts like a pad that the gem setter taps on the set part. It allows talc to be applied to block the sparkle of the stones, which can sometimes dazzle the gem setter.
Training opportunities
Training programs are available as of 9th grade, as well as for high school graduates and professionals looking to change careers. Whether you are entering the job market or embarking on a new path, this interactive map will help you find a training program close to home.
Les métiers d'excellence
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Lapidary
Lapidaries cut and polish stones, either precious (diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds), or ornamental (turquoise, lapis lazuli, onyx, etc.).
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Quality controller
At every step in the production processes, these professionals verify compliance with the Maison’s strict quality standards.
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Jeweler
Jewelers shape jewelry pieces made from precious metal (gold or platinum), often adorned with stones.
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Polisher
These craftsmen carry out varied polishing procedures to bring out the full radiance of jewelry creations.
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Model maker
Starting from sketches, model makers create 3D mock-ups of creations to better study their volumes. This is a traditional profession characteristic of Van Cleef & Arpels.
