Channel Setting Technique with Niall Paisley

Channel setting in jewellery is a more contemporary looking but secure way to set stones closely together into a band, creating a sparkling line flush with the shank, protecting stones from accidental chip.

In this short course Niall will give you lots of tips and tricks on how to fold over enough metal to secure and envelop stones to a professional level without breaking them during the process; thereby keeping your stones straight, level and lining up in a perfect row.

Preparing the setting using burrs and setting tools and cutting the seat

• How to set princess stones in a full eternity ring style
• How to set brilliant cut stones in a half eternity ring style
• Finishing different angles to edge off the ring
• The different tolerances of stone size to channel size
• Problem solving

Our small class size offers you the chance to get group as well as individual guidance and 1:1 time with your tutor, allowing you to receive tailored advice to deepen your knowledge and understanding of this setting technique.

• Protective clothing or clothing you do not mind getting dirty e.g. apron, and closed toe shoes.
• Everything else will be provided by the Goldsmiths’ Centre and is included in the price of the course
• (Optional) You can bring your own spritz stick, scorper and other setting tools
• (Optional) Spectacles or head visor (if required) to work on small details

• Drill bits and burr as required
• CZ’s in required size and quantity
• Silver ring blank
• All tools including Spritz stick, scorper and pusher
• Files to make some tools
• Buff sticks

• Intermediate: Some practical experience and understanding of the listed skill required.
• Advanced: Practicing craftsperson looking to further an existing skill.

Participants should be comfortable in a workshop environment and able to work independently on basic tasks. This course is suitable for someone who has control of the pendant motor and a good grasp of cutting with scorpers.

We believe that talent should not be held back. Here at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, we are open, accessible and inclusive to all. Our Access Grants help anyone to build thriving creative careers, supporting jewellers, silversmiths and allied industry practitioners to access our training courses for free.

If you need help to cover fees for our business and technical skills short courses, please apply for one of our Access Grants. To find out more and read our application criteria, click here:

The Access Grants are delivered by the Goldsmiths' Centre and funded by the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity.

Niall Paisley embarked on his jewellery career in 1989, where he undertook a 5-year apprenticeship with B&B Setting under his Master Eddy Brown. Following this, Niall spent the next 10 years setting stones as an outworker for various names and companies, including Cartier and Leo de Vroomen. In 2005 Niall opened his own shop in Greenwich, specialising in bespoke jewellery and also ran a gallery that supported 40-50 young jewellery designers from the UK. In between all of this, Niall has taught Setting at Holts Academy and now teaches on our Apprenticeship Scheme and Foundation programme here at the Goldsmiths’ Centre. Niall is a fellow of the IPG and has also judged the Setting section of the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council awards.