Stone Setting in Wax

10am – 6pm - 28th Feb & 1st Mar 2026

Another fantastic workshop from Scott McIntyre of Vanilla Ink fame to boost your jewellery making skills.

Tell me about it

Okay, time to step things up a bit! This weekend, we’re combining two of the best things about being a goldsmith - stone setting and wax carving.

The ability to create, position, and prepare wax models ready for setting is a game changer. After all, would you rather drill through platinum or through wax? Exactly.

This introduces you to the world of setting stones in wax, or more accurately, setting up for setting in wax. The process is different from working in metal, but the advantages are huge: it’s faster, more forgiving, and far more economical.

If you’ve ever spent hours drilling and seating stones in metal only to lose precious dust from your bench skin, this class will be a revelation. You’ll learn how to prepare your pieces in wax before casting, saving both time and materials while building your technical skill and precision.

Can I do this class?

This class is for experienced jewellers ready to expand their technical toolkit. You’ll already have a solid understanding of bench techniques and feel comfortable with stone setting.

It’s designed as a follow-up to our Stone Setting and Intro to Wax Carving courses, or for those with equivalent experience. If you’re unsure whether this is your level, get in touch and we’ll make sure you’re on the right track.

What happens?

Across the weekend, you’ll learn to:

• Create super-sized claw settings from solid wax
• Build multi-stone claw settings using wax wires
• Carve and refine bezel settings in wax [including ring designs]
• Apply flush setting techniques while reducing metal weight
• Explore pavé setting [the perfect reason to prep in wax first]
• Understand the theory of casting with stones in place

This class bridges the gap between design and production, teaching you how to make smarter creative choices, reduce waste, and improve your overall efficiency at the bench.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring a sketchbook or similar for taking notes. Please note that glasses/optivisors are mandatory for this class [get in touch if you’re unsure]. Please wear long hair tied up [or bring something to do so], don’t wear open-toed shoes and keep loose-fitting clothing to a minimum.

We will provide all materials, which include all wax and stones. You will each have your own bench where we have access to all of our essential stone setting and carving tools but do feel free to bring your own if you are more comfortable.

Who is teaching me?

Scott McIntyre is a Master Goldsmith and Setter, as well as being a Founding Director of Vanilla Ink CIC. With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, there isn’t much Scott doesn’t know! After years of working in high-end workshops across Scotland’s Central Belt, he found his calling as a naturally gifted tutor.

Scott has a wonderful ability to connect with his students, making sure everyone feels at ease to learn in the perfect environment. His abilities, patience and top-class patter are famous, as is his love of a fine playlist [prepare for a musical journey]. He is thorough, deliberate and professional. Nobody ever leaves one of Scott’s classes disappointed.

Refreshments 

Tea and coffee are provided and there are always cakes close to hand! 

Lunch is 1pm-2pm

We have a lovely cafe next door, where you can order your lunch on Saturday, but on Sunday you will need to bring a packed lunch, or there are a variety of shops nearby where you can purchase something.

Terms and Conditions

Your booking fee secures your place – we cannot reserve places without payment.