In this workshop, you’ll learn to set stones using the distinctive Victorian/Georgian cut-down style, a technique first developed during the Georgian era (1714–1837) and now enjoying a resurgence among contemporary jewellers.

 Through demonstration, discussion, and guided practice, you’ll learn the key steps involved in creating this distinctive setting style and gain the confidence to apply it in your own work.

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What will I make?

You’ll complete your own sterling silver ring set with a brilliant-cut stone, finished in the elegant Victorian/Georgian cut-down style. 

Working with a pre-cast silver ring, you’ll shape, refine, and set your stone using traditional hand tools. By the end of the day, you’ll take home a beautifully set ring showcasing this distinctive historic technique — a piece you can wear, treasure, and proudly say you made yourself.

What will I learn?

Learn the Victorian/Georgian cut-down style of stone setting, a historic technique with timeless appeal.

In the session you will:

• Build confidence with specialist tools, including scorpers and pendant motors, essential for precision stone setting.


• Develop transferable skills that can be applied across a wide range of stone-setting styles, strengthening your overall jewellery-making expertise.


• Complete a sterling silver ring set with a brilliant-cut stone, giving you a finished piece to take home and showcase your new skills

What will happen on the day?

The day will begin with an introduction and a look at sample pieces in the Victorian/Georgian cut-down style, using the same castings and stones you’ll be working with in class. Your tutor will then outline the fundamentals of the technique, explaining the key considerations that distinguish this historic setting style.

A demonstration of the tools used in the process will follow, with particular focus on scorpers, pendant motors, and the methods required to achieve a clean, professional finish. Each stage of the cut-down setting method will then be demonstrated throughout the day, allowing you to observe the process clearly before attempting it yourself.

Students will work through the steps on their own ring, applying each stage with guidance and individual support as needed. As confidence grows, you will refine your work and shape the setting around the stone in preparation for the final stages.

The day will conclude with the setting of the brilliant-cut stone and any final refinements. Students will finish the session with a completed sterling silver ring in the traditional cut-down style.

What skills do I need?

Intermediate For those who have some prior knowledge on the subject or have relevant skills.

What should I bring?

• Optivisors if you use them


• Reading glasses (if you need them!) 


• Notebook and pen (to take notes)
  
  

All other tools and materials will be provided.

What should I wear? 

Clothes: Casual and not too precious as they may get a bit dusty or damaged.  Avoid long, loose fitting sleeves and anything that might catch or get caught whilst you are working.

Shoes: Casual flat shoes and no open toed sandals in case you drop a hammer or something on them!

Hair: Tie long hair back.

Who is my instructor?

Stephen Barnett is a freelance jewellery tutor with 11 years of experience in professional education. Before this, he spent over 12 years as a full-time professional goldsmith. Now, he aims to share his extensive knowledge with others, helping them refine their skills and develop their practice as jewellers and goldsmiths.

How do I get there? 

See contact page for details on public transport and parking.

How do I book?

To book your workshop, simply add your chosen session to your basket by clicking Add to Cart, then click on the basket icon in the top right corner to proceed to checkout.

Please remember to provide your email address and phone number. We use this information only to confirm your booking, share details about the day, and contact you if any issues arise. Your contact details will not be used for marketing purposes unless you choose to opt in by ticking the box to receive updates from us.

Materials Disclaimer

Please note: Workshop material costs are based on metal prices at the time of organising each session. Due to continual fluctuations in precious metal markets, there may be a small increase in the price of materials. If this occurs, we will contact you prior to the workshop to confirm the difference, which can be settled on the day by card.