Professional stone setters training course
Training format:

In person in St. Petersburg

Course language:

English, Russian

Next cohort:

12.10.2026 – 30.10.2026

See all dates
Professional stone setters training course
What changes after the course
You will learn

Correctly setting up your workstation

Working with the microscope and setting it up correctly

The GRS pneumatic system - the core principles of the engraving system

Tool sharpening with the PowerHone benchtop sharpening system

Graver classification and sharpening different graver types

What's included

All necessary materials and tools are provided for the duration of the course

Hands-on sessions with individual feedback and error analysis from the instructor

A course completion certificate confirming your qualification

Ongoing contact with a mentor for consultations after the course ends

Access to the school's private professional graduate community

The chance to practise outside class hours - you can arrive earlier and stay later

A personal workstation: professional equipment, optics and hand tools

A tour of a working premium jewellery workshop

Photo and video recording for personal use

Photo and video content from our photographer

Result

Finished pieces and samples for your portfolio - you leave the course with tangible results you can show clients right away

Skills the market demands, letting you take on premium-level commissions - your work commands higher prices

Mastery of all main setting types (flush, prong, fishtail, castle, bright-cut)

Skills with the GRS pneumatic system, tool sharpening and hand positioning

Practice on 8 different stone-set ring samples

An understanding of production standards and setting quality requirements

Course photos

Every day combines theory, demonstration and hands-on practice We provide all the tools for your work

Course programme

Required skills: for beginners and experienced professionals

The programme covers the main setting types of jewellery production working with group 1 and 2 stones to the modern standard (pneumatic systems)

15 working days. Group of at least 5 people.

Correctly setting up your workstation

Working with the microscope and setting it up correctly

The GRS pneumatic system: the core principles of the engraving system

Tool sharpening with the PowerHone benchtop sharpening system

Graver classification and sharpening different graver types

Proper use of fixing devices and holders

A special set of hand-positioning exercises

Methods for making special tools (beading tools, drills, pushers, holders)

Principles and fundamentals of preparing the seat for the stone

Bright-cut (fadan) setting

Side cutting in the fishtail and castle setting (U-set) techniques

Flush setting

Prong setting

Claw setting

Samples used in the course:
  • A ring with a bright-cut single-row line of stones.
  • A wave ring with a bright-cut single-row line of stones.
  • A castle (U-set) ring
  • A fishtail ring
  • A ring with a bright-cut multi-row line of stones in parallel arrangement.
  • A ring with a bright-cut multi-row line of stones in staggered arrangement.
  • A U-set ring with a flush-set centre stone.
  • A fishtail ring with a prong-set centre stone

All materials and gravers are included in the price.

Enrol in the course

This course is right for you if

No special skills required - suitable for beginners and experienced makers alike

You work with jewellery and want to master all the main setting types

You want to improve your setting precision and reach the premium level

You want to shorten the path to results, avoid typical mistakes and start applying refined techniques right away - without long trial and error

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Stepan Ershov
Stepan Ershov is a graduate of the Department of Artistic Processing of Metals of the Kostroma State University, a hereditary jeweller. Stepan's development as a universal master began in Kostroma, the centre of Russian jewellery production. His aspiration for perfection, search for new forms, technical and artistic solutions was formed under the influence of his father, Nikolai Ershov, a famous jeweller, a continuer of the traditions of Krasnoselsk School of Artistic Metal Working. Stepan inherited from his father the most important thing - talent.

Meeting Roman Karakurkchi during training at the International Jewellery School allowed Stepan to rise to a new level of professional mastery, to improve his skills of working with modern equipment and materials, to expand his professional skills and knowledge.

The choice of International Jewellery School determined the vector of Stepan's further professional path not only as a virtuoso master jeweller, but also as a teacher of the course "MicroPave. Basic stone setting course". A unique combination of Kostroma jewellery traditions and modern technologies allows Stepan to create jewellery with precious stones unique in its beauty. Stepan shares the experience he has gained with the students of the International Jewellery School.

"I have fully retained the originality of the course programme, with the exception of some aspects that contribute to a better absorption of the material. From the moment I first sat down at the workbench, the engine for development for me has always been exceptional. The opportunity to pass on knowledge to meet like-minded people striving for absolute heights in jewellery making is the very purpose for me as a teacher", S. Ershov. 
Perhaps the student has outgrown his Master? It is for you, our dear students, to judge.

  • Based: Russia
  • Education: Jeweller-technologist
  • Experience: Stepan Ershov is a graduate of the Department of Artistic Metalworking at Kostroma State University and a hereditary jeweller.<br><br>Stepan's development as an all-round master began in Kostroma, the centre of Russian jewellery production. His drive for perfection and his search for new forms and technical and artistic solutions took shape under the influence of his father, Nikolai Ershov, a renowned jeweller and successor to the traditions of the Krasnoye Selo school of artistic metalworking. From his father Stepan inherited the most important thing of all: talent.<br><br>Meeting Roman Karakurkchi while studying at International Jewellery School allowed Stepan to reach a new level of professional mastery, refine his skills with modern equipment and materials, and expand his professional knowledge.<br><br>Choosing International Jewellery School set the direction of Stepan's further path - not only as a virtuoso master jeweller but also as the instructor of the course «MicroPave. Basic diamond setting course». A unique combination of Kostroma's jewellery traditions and modern technology allows Stepan to create jewellery of singular beauty with precious stones. Stepan shares this experience with the students of International Jewellery School.<br><br>«I have fully preserved the original course programme, apart from a few aspects that help students absorb the material better. From the moment I first sat down at the bench, exceptional quality has always been what drives my growth. The chance to pass on knowledge and to meet like-minded people striving for the absolute heights of the jewellery craft is, for me as a teacher, the goal itself», S. Ershov.<br><br>Has the student perhaps outgrown his Teacher? That is for you to judge, our dear students.
Stepan Ershov
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Payment

Payment terms are the same for all courses. You can clarify the details with a manager when submitting your application

Send a request

Payment options

  • 100% or 50% prepayment
  • Via a payment link or an invoice
  • Instalment plan via the school (on request)
  • Gift certificate

How payment works

  • Contact us and we will send you a payment link
  • The receipt and confirmation arrive by email
  • Want to study later? Send a request now - and pay later

What happens after payment

  • Your place on the course is secured
  • You will receive an email with the details and a list of what you need to start
  • Online access (if you chose the online format) opens closer to the start date
Frequently asked questions
Who can study at International Jewellery School?

The school is open to everyone, regardless of age, education or experience. We work with a wide range of students:

  • Complete beginners - people who have never held a jeweller's tool but want to learn the profession from scratch. For them we run a preparatory course on the pneumatic graver: in 5 days it lays the foundation - correct posture, hand positioning, working under the microscope and the first metal-carving skills. After this course a student can already try their hand at simple work.
  • Aspiring jewellers and students of specialist universities #ИМЯ?
  • Practising masters with experience - jewellers, engravers and stone setters who work in workshops or run their own brands. They come for new techniques (such as high-polish engraving), to deepen their stone-setting knowledge, and for the chance to work on world-class equipment not found in ordinary workshops.
  • Professionals from related fields - designers, sculptors, restorers and watchmakers who need jewellery skills to broaden their competencies or create original signature pieces.
  • International students - the school welcomes students from any country. Classes can be taught in English, and the cultural programme makes the training an enriching journey as well.

There are no rigid entry requirements - we match the programme to each student's current level. Before the course starts you can consult our sales team to find out which course is best for you.

What training directions are available?

The school's programmes fall into three main directions:

  • Direction 1. Stone setting
    A fundamental jewellery specialisation, in demand at any production facility.
  • Direction 2. Engraving
    Engraving is the art of creating designs and patterns on metal. The school teaches techniques from basic to highly specialised.
  • Direction 3. Jewellery techniques
    This direction brings together highly specialised signature courses taught by guest masters from Russia and Europe. All programmes are aimed at a professional level and run in English and Russian.
What equipment is used for training?

Training is conducted on professional GRS equipment - the world leader in jewellery production technology. The school's studios are fully equipped: ergonomic benches, orthopaedic chairs, professional optics and hand tools.

Who teaches at the school?

Our instructors - true professionals who have trained more than 1,800 specialists from many countries. Among them are school founder Roman Karakurkchi and Vladimir Plakhov, a jeweller and engraver who has devoted many years to the art of engraving. The school also regularly hosts courses by guest masters from Russia and Europe.

How much does the training cost?

The price depends on the course you choose:

  • Preparatory course on the pneumatic graver — 90 000 ₽
  • Professional stone setters' training course - 390,000 ₽ (group of at least 5 people)
  • High-polish engraving and lettering techniques — 200 000 ₽
  • Jewellery technique courses - from 80,707 ₽ to 110,000 ₽ depending on the programme

All necessary materials and gravers are included in the price of every course.

What format do the classes take?

Training takes place in person in St. Petersburg, and twice a year in Dubai and Lisbon. Students can practise outside class hours - arriving earlier and staying later. Classes are led by the school's senior instructors, and courses are available in Russian and English.

What will I get after finishing the course?

Every graduate receives:

  • A course completion certificate
  • Ongoing contact and consultations with a school mentor
  • Access to the professional community
  • Opportunities to collaborate with the school and other students
  • All finished samples and works
Can I combine my studies with exploring St. Petersburg?

Yes! The school is located in St. Petersburg - one of the world's most beautiful cities, with a rich cultural life. In their free time students can visit museums, exhibitions and architectural landmarks, which makes the training all the more inspiring.

Is there support after the training?

Yes, the school provides ongoing support to its graduates: mentor consultations, answers to professional questions, collaboration opportunities and access to the community. Many graduates have built successful jewellery brands of their own and work with European companies.

Where is the school located and how can I contact you?

Address: 17 Bumazhnaya St., St. Petersburg

Phone: 8-800-2000-477

Email: top@jewelleryschool.com

How do I find the schedule?

The course schedule is published on the school's website: jewelleryschool.com/schedule/

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