Flush and Tube Setting Course | 22 - 23 March 2025

The course will cover:

• Practical skills for tube setting round facetted gems

• Practical skills for flush setting round facetted gems

• A theoretical overview of a range of different types of stone setting

• Learning about the correct tools for the job

• Basic gemmology - principles, properties and tips to help choose your gems

Who is this course for?

This course is recommended for those who already have some jewellery making skills and wish to add new skills for traditional setting to their repertoire.  You will gain theoretical knowledge for a range of different types of stone setting and cover some basic gemmology.  There will be practical demonstrations of tube setting and flush setting and students will practice these skills under the guidance of the tutor.

What to bring

There will be copper sheets and Cubic Zirconia stones available in the workshop as well as the specialist tools required for you to learn and practice skills.

If you bring your own pieces in which you wish to set stones this will help the tutor to advise you towards achieving your own goals. However, the necessary skills require dedicated practice over time so the tutor will be aiming to maximize your learning with exercises and set tasks rather than support with individual projects.

Bringing your own jewellery or materials is entirely optional. If you’d like to but are not sure what to choose, here is a list:

· Plain silver rings that are at least 3mm thick/wide/deep.

· Cast silver rings which are at least 3mm thick in the area you wish to add a stone.

· A range of silver tube sizes or plain silver sheet that is 1.5mm – 2mm thick.

· Facetted stones between 2mm and 5mm scoring 8-9 on Moh’s scale. Cubic Zirconia’s are ideal.

Some students may find it helpful to use magnifying headbands during the class, depending on how good your eyesight is. We will have some available in the studio, but if you have your own please bring it with you, if you can. 

About the tutor

Jenny Macdonald is a teacher, maker and artist. She has taught for many years across art and design disciplines: illustration; ceramics; graphic design; life drawing and predominantly jewellery-making.

She had worked as a product designer supplying outlets including Harrods, Paul Smith, The Natural History Museum and Sony Records, before returning her focus to creating bespoke precious pieces for her individual clients. Her passion for teaching has remained a constant throughout her creative pursuits.

Meet the tutors here.