Stone Setting

Term from Jewelry Making industry explained for recruiters

Stone setting is a crucial skill in jewelry making where professionals carefully place and secure gemstones into metal jewelry pieces. This can range from simple settings like basic prong mounts to complex techniques like pavé or channel settings. It's similar to how a picture frame holds a photograph, but requires much more precision and specialized knowledge to ensure valuable gems are secure and displayed at their best. When you see "stone setting" on a resume, it means the person knows how to work with precious stones and can mount them safely in different types of jewelry.

Examples in Resumes

Created custom engagement rings using advanced Stone Setting techniques

Specialized in micro-pavé Stone Setting for luxury brand collections

Performed intricate Stone Setting work on platinum and gold jewelry pieces

Typical job title: "Stone Setters"

Also try searching for:

Jewelry Setter Gem Setter Diamond Setter Bench Jeweler Jewelry Craftsperson Precious Stone Setter

Where to Find Stone Setters

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you approach setting an unusually shaped or damaged stone?

Expected Answer: A senior setter should discuss assessment procedures, risk mitigation, custom setting solutions, and possibly creating modified tools or settings to accommodate unique situations.

Q: How do you train junior setters while maintaining quality standards?

Expected Answer: Should explain mentoring approaches, quality control processes, and how to break down complex techniques into learnable steps while ensuring workplace safety and gem security.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What different setting styles are you comfortable with, and how do you choose which to use?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe various settings (prong, pavé, channel, bezel) and explain how factors like stone shape, size, and jewelry design influence setting choice.

Q: How do you ensure the security of stones in a pavé setting?

Expected Answer: Should explain proper preparation techniques, correct spacing, proper bead formation, and quality checking procedures.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What basic tools do you use for stone setting and how do you maintain them?

Expected Answer: Should know essential tools like pushers, gravers, and burnishers, and understand basic tool care and maintenance.

Q: How do you prepare a basic prong setting?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe measuring the stone, checking prong placement, and basic steps of securing a stone in prongs safely.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic prong and bezel settings
  • Simple stone measurements
  • Basic tool handling
  • Understanding different gemstones

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Multiple setting techniques
  • Working with various precious metals
  • Quality control procedures
  • Custom setting modifications

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex and unusual settings
  • Training and supervision
  • Problem-solving difficult settings
  • High-end luxury piece creation

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic gemstone properties
  • Lack of experience with essential setting tools
  • No understanding of metal properties
  • Poor attention to detail
  • No experience with quality control procedures