Precious Stone Setter Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of fine jewelry, the role of the precious stone setter is crucial and highly valued.

As the craft of jewelry making evolves, the demand for skilled hands that can delicately mount, secure, and showcase precious stones only grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a precious stone setter?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the artistry of precious stone setting,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable precious stone setter job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Precious Stone Setter Duties and Responsibilities

Precious Stone Setters use their intricate skillset and keen eye for detail to set precious and semi-precious stones in jewelry pieces.

They are tasked with creating aesthetically pleasing designs while ensuring the security of the stones.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Examine diamonds or gems to ascertain the shape, cut, and size, and to determine the quality and consistency of stones
• Estimate the costs of labor and material required to set the precious stones
• Securely set diamonds or other gems in fine metal pieces, including rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and brooches
• Repair and adjust settings of fine jewelry by replacing broken clasps, altering ring sizes, or resetting stones
• Smooth joints and remove excess material using hand tools and machines
• Create jewelry from materials such as gold, silver, platinum, and precious or semiprecious stones
• Assess the quality of gemstones and precious metals
• Polish finished jewelry items using polishing wheels and chemical baths
• Adhere to safety procedures and guidelines to prevent accidents or damage to the jewelry
• Stay updated with the latest trends in jewelry design and gemstones

 

Precious Stone Setter Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Precious Stone Setter to join our team.

This position involves setting precious and semi-precious stones in jewelry, such as rings, earrings, and necklaces.

The Precious Stone Setter’s responsibilities will include understanding and interpreting design specifications, selecting and placing stones, and using hand tools to secure stones in the jewelry pieces.

You should have a keen eye for detail and a comprehensive understanding of the physical properties of various stones.

 

Responsibilities

• Interpreting jewelry design instructions and specifications
• Selecting and setting precious and semi-precious stones into jewelry pieces
• Using hand tools to secure stones in jewelry pieces
• Polishing finished jewelry pieces
• Inspecting and ensuring the quality of stones and the setting
• Repairing and adjusting jewelry pieces
• Collaborating with designers and jewelers to ensure the accurate execution of designs
• Maintaining a clean and safe work environment

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Precious Stone Setter
• Comprehensive knowledge of various stones and their physical properties
• Proficiency in using hand tools to set stones
• Ability to interpret design instructions and specifications
• Excellent eye for detail
• Good hand-eye coordination and steady hands
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• High school diploma or equivalent; professional certification or apprenticeship preferred

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Precious Stone Setter
• Work Environment: This is a full-time position in a workshop environment. Protective equipment will be provided as necessary.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Jewelry Production Manager.
• Salary: Salary is dependent on the candidate’s experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your experience, and photographs of past work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Precious Stone Setter Do?

A Precious Stone Setter is a skilled professional who works in the jewelry industry.

They are usually employed by jewelry manufacturers or repair shops, or they may work independently as freelancers.

The main responsibility of a Precious Stone Setter is to place gemstones and diamonds into pieces of jewelry.

This involves selecting the stones, determining the best way to set them, and then securing them onto the jewelry piece using various tools and techniques.

Precious Stone Setters work with a variety of precious and semi-precious stones such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, among others.

They place these stones into rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches and other jewelry items.

They work closely with jewelers, jewelry designers, and gemologists, and often need to follow specific designs or instructions.

They are also responsible for repairing and restoring vintage or damaged pieces of jewelry.

One of the critical aspects of their work is ensuring that the stones are set securely and will not fall out, while also making sure that the setting enhances the beauty of the stone and the piece of jewelry.

In some cases, they may also be involved in the process of selecting the stones that will be used in a piece of jewelry, based on their knowledge of gems and their ability to evaluate their quality and value.

Their work requires a high degree of precision, patience, and attention to detail, along with strong hand-eye coordination and the ability to work with small tools and delicate materials.

 

Precious Stone Setter Qualifications and Skills

A Precious Stone Setter requires a range of technical skills, artistic abilities, and physical endurance to efficiently set precious stones in various types of jewelry, including:

• Technical skills to professionally set gemstones and precious stones in different types of jewelry.
• A keen eye for detail to ensure the stones are set accurately and securely without damaging the stone or the jewelry piece.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to handle small, delicate stones and tools.
• Artistic abilities to create unique and aesthetically pleasing designs.
• Patience and concentration for working long hours on detailed and meticulous tasks.
• Knowledge of various types of precious stones, their properties, and the best methods of setting them.
• Communication skills to understand clients’ requirements and specifications and to offer advice when necessary.
• Physical stamina to stand or sit for long periods while performing tasks.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and rectify any issues that may arise during the stone setting process.

 

Precious Stone Setter Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for the role of Precious Stone Setter might be required to have 1-2 years of experience, often obtained through vocational training programs or as apprentices under experienced setters.

These candidates can also gain practical experience in roles such as Jewelry Maker, Goldsmith, or as assistants in jewelry repair and design shops.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge in the setting of various precious stones, cutting and polishing stones, and other intricate craftsmanship related to jewelry making.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some managerial experience in their background and may be ready for a supervisor or team-lead position in a jewelry manufacturing or repair shop.

Professionals with extensive experience might also have expertise in working with a variety of precious stones and metals, understanding customer preferences, and designing unique pieces.

They may also have experience in training and guiding junior setters.

Additionally, it is beneficial if the candidate has experience in quality control, identifying flaws in stones, or any issues with the setting, and rectifying them.

 

Precious Stone Setter Education and Training Requirements

A Precious Stone Setter typically needs to have a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Many learn this skilled craft through vocational schools or technical colleges that offer jewelry design and gemology programs.

These programs include courses in gem identification, diamond grading, metalworking, and computer-aided design (CAD), providing a solid foundation for those aspiring to become Precious Stone Setters.

Several years of on-the-job training or apprenticeship under an experienced setter are often required to gain practical knowledge and enhance fine motor skills.

Some setters may choose to pursue additional education and obtain a certification from institutions such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS).

These certifications can help improve their credibility and career prospects.

Continuous education is important as well, as it allows setters to stay updated with the latest technology and trends in jewelry design and stone setting.

 

Precious Stone Setter Salary Expectations

A Precious Stone Setter can expect to earn an average salary of $41,900 (USD) per year.

The actual income can fluctuate based on factors such as level of experience, geographic location, and the size and reputation of the employing company.

 

Precious Stone Setter Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Precious Stone Setter need?

A Precious Stone Setter should have excellent fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for handling tiny, delicate stones.

They need to be detail-oriented to set stones correctly and create beautiful pieces of jewelry.

In addition to technical skills, they should possess strong concentration and patience, as this work requires precision and can be time-consuming.

 

Do Precious Stone Setters need a degree?

While a formal degree is not required, many Precious Stone Setters have completed vocational training or apprenticeships in jewelry design, metalworking, or a related field.

This offers them the technical skills needed for this role.

Some may also have a background in gemology or have received certification from professional jewelry associations.

 

What should you look for in a Precious Stone Setter resume?

In addition to relevant work experience, look for evidence of completed training or apprenticeships in jewelry setting or design.

Certifications in gemology can also be advantageous, as this shows an understanding of different types of stones.

Also, consider if they have experience with the specific types of stone setting you require, such as prong, pave, or bezel settings.

 

What qualities make a good Precious Stone Setter?

A good Precious Stone Setter is meticulous and has a keen eye for detail, ensuring each stone is perfectly set.

They are patient, as this work can be intricate and time-consuming.

They are also creative, able to visualize and execute beautiful designs.

Additionally, they should have good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for handling and setting small, delicate stones.

 

Is it difficult to hire Precious Stone Setters?

Hiring a Precious Stone Setter can be challenging due to the specialized skills required for the job.

It’s important to find candidates who have the necessary technical skills and a keen eye for detail.

However, with a thoughtful recruitment process and appealing job offer, you can attract skilled Precious Stone Setters.

 

Conclusion

So, we have uncovered it all.

Today, we’ve revealed the intricate world of being a precious stone setter.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about setting stones.

It’s about sculpting the future of jewelry, one gem at a time.

With our definitive precious stone setter job description template and authentic examples, you’re poised to carve your career path.

But why halt the journey here?

Embark further with our job description generator. It’s your next stop for creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to brilliance.

Remember:

Every gem set is a piece of the larger masterpiece.

Let’s create that future. Together.