Behind the Bench: A Day with Our Toronto Master Setter

When you admire a beautifully set diamond or gemstone, it’s easy to focus on the sparkle—but behind that brilliance lies an expert’s steady hands, a trained eye, and years of experience. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain and taking you behind the bench to spend a day with our Toronto-based Master Setter, the unsung artist who brings each piece to life.

What Does a Master Setter Do?

A Master Setter is a highly skilled artisan responsible for placing and securing gemstones into fine jewelry. This job blends precision craftsmanship with creative intuition. Every stone must be aligned just right—secure, symmetrical, and ready to reflect light at its best.

In our Toronto studio, our Master Setter works on everything from engagement rings and earrings to one-of-a-kind heirloom restorations. It’s part art, part science, and all passion.

7:30 AM – Early Start & Studio Prep

The day begins before most of the city is even awake. With a fresh coffee in hand, the Master Setter unlocks the studio, turns on the specialized bench lighting, and reviews the day’s workflow. Some pieces are new settings, others are repairs or redesigns.

Each piece gets a quick inspection:

• Are the prongs in the right position?
  
• Are the channels clean and burr-free?
  
• Has the polishing team prepped the metal properly?
  

Precision starts before the stone even touches the setting.

9:00 AM – First Stone of the Day

Setting begins. Using a stereo microscope and ultra-fine tools, our Master Setter carefully sets a 1.5-carat round brilliant diamond into a platinum six-prong solitaire. The process involves:

• Positioning the diamond perfectly
  
• Tightening the prongs evenly without damaging the stone
  
• Checking alignment and light performance
  

It takes around 45 minutes—no rushing here.

11:00 AM – A Custom Design Comes In

Next up is a bespoke engagement ring featuring a pear-shaped sapphire surrounded by a delicate halo of melee diamonds. Each small stone (less than 2mm) is set by hand under magnification. This is where the setter’s experience really shows—matching depth, spacing, and angle takes years of training.

“The difference between good and great setting,” our Master Setter says, “isn’t visible from across the room—it’s what the owner sees up close every day.”

1:00 PM – Break and Bench Talk

Lunch is quick and informal. Sometimes it’s time for collaboration—discussing a complex tension setting with the design team or brainstorming how to set an antique stone with a shallow pavilion.

In a city like Toronto, with its multicultural energy and high jewelry standards, no two days are alike. From modern minimalism to elaborate vintage-inspired designs, every request is different.

2:30 PM – Gem Rescue Mission

An older client brings in a treasured ring with a loose emerald. The setter inspects the mount and sees that the prongs have thinned with age. Using laser welding, they build the prongs back up, polish them smooth, and re-set the emerald with care. It’s delicate work—emeralds are softer than diamonds, requiring a gentler touch.

4:30 PM – Final Checks and Finishing Touches

Before a piece leaves the bench, it’s inspected one last time:

• Is every stone secure?
  
• Is the metal finish flawless?
  
• Are settings symmetrical and aligned?
  

Once approved, the jewelry moves on to quality control and packaging.

5:30 PM – Wrapping Up

As the tools are cleaned and the bench cleared, the Master Setter reflects on the day’s work—not just on the technical achievements, but the emotional weight these pieces carry. Each ring, necklace, or bracelet isn’t just metal and stone—it’s a symbol of love, celebration, or remembrance.

“I’ve set thousands of stones,” they say, “but knowing someone will wear this piece for a lifetime—that never gets old.”

Why It Matters

In an age of mass production, hand-set jewelry stands apart. Every tiny movement behind the bench ensures that your piece is secure, durable, and breathtaking. It’s craftsmanship you may never see—but will always feel.

Final Thoughts

Spending a day with our Toronto Master Setter is a reminder that true luxury isn’t just in the sparkle—it’s in the skill, care, and human touch behind it. Whether you’re buying your first engagement ring or customizing an anniversary gift, the setting is more than a step in the process—it’s the soul of the piece.

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