How to Be Diamond Setter/Jeweler - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 14, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Diamonds are a woman's best friend, and a diamond setter/jeweler is the person who makes that possible. These professionals have the unique and important job of setting diamonds into a variety of jewelry pieces. To do this, they must have a strong understanding of the jewelry-making process, be knowledgeable about the types of stones used, and be highly skilled in cutting and polishing diamonds.

The result of their work is beautiful, sparkling pieces of jewelry that are sure to make the wearer feel special. Without diamond setters/jewelers, these pieces of jewelry would not be made possible. Therefore, the profession of diamond setter/jeweler is essential for creating the beautiful and timeless pieces of jewelry that are treasured for years to come.

Steps How to Become

Acquire a high school diploma or equivalent. A basic level of education is required before beginning any type of jewelry-making program.
Enroll in a jewelry-making program. Jewelry-making programs are offered through trade schools, community colleges, technical schools, and online institutions. The programs typically last one to two years and may include courses in jewelry design, stone setting, jewelry fabrication, and jewelry repair.
Participate in an apprenticeship. Many jewelers learn the trade through hands-on training and experience. Apprenticeships provide valuable guidance and experience in the field.
Obtain certification. Certification is not required to become a diamond setter, but it can help demonstrate professional competence and increase job opportunities. Certifications are available from the Jewelers of America, the Gemological Institute of America, and the Diamond Council of America.
Consider specializing. Setters may choose to specialize in a particular type of jewelry or setting, such as prong setting or pave setting. Specialization may require additional training and certification.
Network with other diamond setters and jewelers. Establishing contacts in the industry can help find employment opportunities and stay abreast of industry trends and developments.

Setting diamonds and other precious stones into jewelry requires considerable skill and precision. It is a highly specialized craft that involves using tools to cut and shape the stones, setting them into the metal of the jewelry and then polishing the finished product. Setters and jewelers must have an eye for detail and a steady hand in order to ensure that each stone is set properly.

They must also have knowledge of the properties of diamonds and other gems in order to know how to cut and shape them in order to maximize their beauty and brilliance. In addition, they must have a good understanding of metals, how to shape and solder them, and how to polish the finished jewelry. Setters and jewelers must be able to work quickly and accurately in order to create beautiful pieces of jewelry that will last for years.

Their skill and precision is what makes it possible for people to enjoy the beauty of diamonds and other gems set in exquisite pieces of jewelry.

You may want to check Production Jeweler, Jewelry Repair Technician, and Casting Technician/Jeweler for alternative.

Job Description

Operate and inspect production equipment to ensure proper functioning.
Inspect diamonds, precious stones, and jewelry for quality assurance.
Secure stones into setting with the use of tweezers, setting tools, and wax molds.
Polish and buff diamonds and jewelry pieces using polishing wheels and compounds.
Repair jewelry that has been damaged or worn down over time.
Utilize microscopes to perform detailed inspections on jewelry pieces.
Create customized pieces by hand-selecting diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals.
Maintain work area and tools in a clean and organized manner.
Keep detailed records of diamonds, precious stones, and metals used in jewelry production.
Provide customer service by answering questions about jewelry pieces and their features.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of gemstone grading and evaluation
Expertise in the use of different tools and equipment used to set and finish jewelry
Knowledge of traditional and modern jewelry design and construction techniques
Understanding of the different metals used in jewelry making
Ability to work with a variety of jewelry styles and materials
Excellent eye for detail
Patience and precision when setting stones
Ability to use a microscope to set stones
Skilled in the use of soldering techniques
Ability to read and interpret drawings, sketches and models of jewelry designs
Knowledge of proper safety procedures when working with tools, machinery and materials
Ability to work with a team or independently
Good customer service skills and the ability to interact with clients

Setters and jewelers are highly skilled professionals in the jewelry industry. To be successful in this field, a setter or jeweler must possess a wide range of technical and artistic skills. The ability to accurately measure and precisely cut diamonds is essential to creating beautiful jewelry.

Setters and jewelers must also be proficient in using hand tools and specialized machinery to shape, polish, and set stones into their desired positions. they must have an eye for detail in order to detect any imperfections or flaws in the diamonds they are working with. Finally, they must be able to work quickly and efficiently while still paying careful attention to their work.

With these skills, a setter or jeweler can create stunning pieces of jewelry that will be admired for years to come.

Jewelry Manufacturing Technician, Master Jeweler, and Wholesale Jeweler are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in setting diamonds and other precious stones?
How comfortable are you working with a variety of tools such as tweezers, microscopes, and loupes?
Describe the process that you use when setting diamonds and other stones.
What techniques do you use to ensure that the diamonds are properly secured in the settings?
How do you go about selecting the right gems for a particular piece of jewelry?
What challenges have you encountered while setting diamonds and other stones?
Describe your experience in repairing and restoring antique jewelry.
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in diamond cutting, setting, and design?
What safety protocols do you follow while working with diamonds and related materials?
What is your approach to customer service when working with clients on their diamond-related projects?

Common Tools in Industry

Setters Hammer. Used to gently tap diamonds and other stones into place. (eg: To secure a diamond in a prong setting)
Needle File. Used to shape and polish jewelry and remove metal burrs. (eg: To shape the edges of a gold ring)
Loupe. Magnifying glass used to inspect gemstones for clarity, check settings for precision, and identify gemstone treatment. (eg: To accurately assess the quality of a diamonds cut)
Burnisher. Tool used to polish the metal in a jewelry setting and refine its shape. (eg: To refine and polish the edges of a gemstone setting)
Wax Injector. Used to create a wax mold of a ring or jewelry piece for use in casting. (eg: To create a wax mold of a wedding band for casting in gold)
Jeweler's Saw. Used to cut metal into thin sheets or intricate shapes. (eg: To cut out the shape of a pendant from a sheet of gold)
Pliers. Used to hold, bend, and manipulate metal into intricate shapes. (eg: To bend metal prongs into the shape of a ring)
Ultrasonic Cleaner. Used to clean jewelry quickly and safely. (eg: To remove dirt and debris from a diamond necklace)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Gem Society (AGS)
Jewelers of America
Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC)
Diamond Council of America
National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
Diamond Bourse of Canada
International Diamond Council
European Gemological Laboratories (EGL)
International Jewellery Design Excellence Awards (IJDEA)
Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC)

We also have Goldsmith/Jeweler, Engraver/Jeweler, and Appraiser/Jeweler jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Gemologist. A gemologist is a specialist who studies and evaluates gemstones, including diamonds. They use a range of tools and techniques to determine the quality and characteristics of a gemstone.
Goldsmith. Goldsmiths are skilled artisans who work with gold and other precious metals to create jewelry. They use specialized tools and techniques to design, shape and assemble intricate pieces of jewelry.
Jewelry Designer. Jewelry designers create unique pieces of jewelry for both fashion and personal adornment. They use their creative skills to design and craft jewelry from a variety of materials, such as precious metals, gems, and stones.
Lapidary. A lapidary is a specialist who works with and shapes precious stones for use in jewelry. They use a variety of tools and techniques to cut, polish and set the stones in place.
Metalworker. Metalworkers use different techniques to shape and form metal into various shapes and objects, such as jewelry pieces. They are skilled in working with a range of materials, such as gold, silver, platinum, brass, and copper.
Wax Carver. Wax carvers are skilled artisans who create wax molds for casting jewelry. They carve intricate designs out of wax blocks using specialized tools and techniques to create molds for casting jewelry pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Diamond Setter/Jeweler?

A diamond setter/jeweler typically needs to have a high school diploma or GED and receive on-the-job training. In addition, specialized courses in gemology and jewelry design may be beneficial.

What tools are used by Diamond Setters/Jewelers?

Diamond setters/jewelers use a variety of tools including, tweezers, loupe, flux, saws and burrs, pliers, hammer, centrifuge, and a polishing machine.

What is the average salary of a Diamond Setter/Jeweler?

The median hourly wage for diamond setters/jewelers is approximately $14.99 per hour.

What is the job outlook for Diamond Setters/Jewelers?

The job outlook for diamond setters/jewelers is projected to decline by 5% from 2019 to 2029.

What type of environment do Diamond Setters/Jewelers work in?

Diamond setters/jewelers typically work in a workshop or jewelry shop environment. They may also work in manufacturing plants or jewelry stores.

Web Resources

The Diamond Setter The Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies www.iijs.columbia.edu
Graduate Jeweler Program - Gemological Institute of www.gia.edu
Engagement Ring Settings to Make Your Diamond Look Bigger 4cs.gia.edu