This intensive five-day course provides a comprehensive introduction to gemstone setting using a microscope and GRS power-assisted gravers. By the end of the week, participants will work towards completing a pavé or castellé-set band, gaining a strong foundation in precision micro-setting techniques.
Under the expert guidance of an industry professional with over 20 years of experience in stone setting and goldsmithing, you will receive detailed, hands-on instruction at every stage of the process. Delivered within the state-of-the-art Jewellery and Goldsmithing Centre of Excellence, this course offers valuable insight into professional micro-setting practices — including the benefits, tools, and high levels of accuracy required for these specialised styles of setting.
This course is open to both DCCI members and members of the public.
Course Overview
- Date: March 30th – April 3rd 2026
- Duration: Five days; 9.30am – 4.30pm
- Last day to apply: March 14th 2026
- Venue: DCCIA School of Jewellery, Sessions House, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, R95 X9Y6
- Number of participants: 6
- Fee: €1500
Why Attend
- Train in a state-of-the-art goldsmithing academy equipped with industry-standard optical microscopes, GRS tools, and professional-grade materials.
- Enhance the quality, precision, and value of your jewellery work through expert instruction and hands-on practice.
- Learn efficient, time-saving, and cost-effective techniques to improve productivity in your workshop.
- Minimise physical strain on the eyes and body by using the correct equipment and learning ergonomic working methods.
- Begin to advance your stone-setting skills to a professional micro-setting standard.
- Develop the capability to complete stone-setting work in-house, increasing creative control and profitability.
- Reduction in gemstone breakages and damage.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the effective use of an optical microscope for precision gemstone setting.
- Operate GRS setting systems and associated equipment safely and efficiently.
- Sharpen and polish gravers using appropriate methods for different applications.
- Accurately mark out and prepare metal surfaces for drilling and stone placement.
Who Should Attend
This course is suitable for professional goldsmiths, jewellers and industry bench-workers.
- Morning
- Welcome and tour of the facilities and workshops
- Health and safety briefing
- Overview of the course and learning objectives
- Demonstration 1:
- Setting bench and microscope setup
- Correct sitting position and ergonomics
- GRS Graversmith and 901 quick-change handpiece
- Micro-setting ball and attachments
- Micromotor operation
- Microscope setup, calibration, and adjustment
- Afternoon
- Demonstration 2:
- Hand tools and graver preparation
- Identification and maintenance of gravers
- Grinding and polishing techniques
- Measuring tools: calipers and dividers
- Burrs: carbide vs. steel
- Demonstration 1:
- Layout of gemstones and drill techniques
- Divider preparation
- Centering and spacing
- Drill bit sharpening and depth control
- Demonstration 2:
- Burring and initial line cutting
- Correct hand positioning and use of the ball vice
- Cutting techniques and troubleshooting with the GRS Graversmith
- Practical session on layout and drilling exercises
- Demonstration:
- Layout, drilling, and burring for pavé-setting a band with CZs
- Band and gemstone spacing
- Drilling depths and lubrication
- Micromotor handling and drill maintenance
- Bead size, proportion, and uniformity considerations
- Demonstration:
- Cutting threads and seating gemstones
- Achieving consistent heights and secure fits
- Correct thread depth and style considerations
- Review of graver selection, preparation, and technique
- Demonstration:
- Bead splitting, clean-up, and refining internal corners
- Preparation of splitters and beading tools
Know Your Instructor
David Wilson is a Kilkenny-based goldsmith with over 20 years of experience working at the highest level of his craft. A specialist in fine jewellery, he possesses extensive expertise in working with platinum, gold, and gemstones.
Throughout his career, David has worked with leading goldsmiths in Edinburgh, Canada, and Ireland. He spent eight years training under renowned gold- and silversmith Rudolf Heltzel before establishing his own goldsmithing and micro-setting studio in Kilkenny.
David’s practice focuses on diamond microscopic setting, where his precision, attention to detail, and commitment to exceptional quality are widely recognised. Alongside his professional work, he is an accomplished instructor, teaching micro-setting to students at the DCCI Jewellery and Goldsmithing Centre of Excellence.
