333. How to Take Your Stone Setting Skills to the Next Level with Iain Sainsbury

If you already have a grounding in stone setting and you are ready to develop your skills further, this episode is for you.

Jess is joined by jeweller and Jewellers Academy mentor Iain Sainsbury to talk about what it really takes to move into more advanced stone setting and jewellery making. Iain has completed all three of the Jewellers Academy advanced stone setting Masterclasses himself and now supports other jewellers going through the programme.

In this episode, Jess and Iain discuss the three Masterclasses - Decorative Collets, Fishtail Setting and Tiara Wedding Bands - and how each one develops different technical skills at the bench. They also explore why advanced jewellery making is about much more than mastering one technique, and how learning complex construction, setting and finishing skills can give you more confidence in your own designs and commissions.

They also talk about the importance of practice, why you should not expect to get an advanced technique right the first time, and how mistakes are often an essential part of becoming a more skilled jeweller.

In this episode:

• How advanced stone setting differs from learning the basics

• Why complex projects can improve your overall jewellery-making skills

• Decorative collets and developing precision, piercing and construction skills

• Fishtail and pavé setting using traditional hand-pushed gravers

• Creating tiara-style wedding bands for bridal jewellery

• Why repetition and practice are essential at an advanced level

• How detailed tuition can help when projects involve multiple technical stages

• The value of learning alongside a community of experienced jewellers

• How advanced techniques can help with future commissions and fine jewellery work

The Jewellers Academy advanced stone setting Masterclasses are open for enrolment until 31st October 2026, with immediate access to all three courses and lifetime access to the training.

About Iain Sainsbury

Iain Sainsbury is a British fine jewellery designer and goldsmith based in South Cambridgeshire, creating bespoke and one-of-a-kind pieces. His work combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, with a particular focus on precision, ethical sourcing and meaningful jewellery. He is also a Jewellers Academy mentor and tutor.

Connect with Iain

Instagram: @iains_jewellery
Website: iainsainsbury.com