About the Course
Micropavé I
Set round stones using four core micropavé styles: regular, zigzag, shared-prong, and individual-prong.
Learn to set round stones in micropavé using four distinct setting styles, building from bench setup through layout, cutting, graver sharpening, and hands-on setting practice. By the end of five days you'll have applied each style to practice plates and rings under instructor guidance.
Class Details
Duration: 5 days (Monday–Friday)
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (one-hour lunch)
Class size: 4 students max
Prerequisite: Preparation Class
What's included: Tools provided for in-class use; materials and finished practice pieces are yours to keep
Skills You'll Gain
Set up and calibrate a microscope and pneumatic machine for micropavé work
Apply proportion, symmetry, and balance principles to plan a stone layout
Calculate precise cuts, spacing, alignment, and depth for round stone placement
Sharpen gravers specifically for the demands of micropavé setting
Execute four micropavé setting styles: regular, zigzag, shared-prong, and individual-prong
Day-by-Day
Day 1 — Bench and equipment setup: microscope and pneumatic machine setup, ergonomics, and workspace organization.
Day 2 — Layout and design principles: finding the right starting point for a layout, and applying proportion, symmetry, and balance.
Day 3 — Cuts and measurements: precise cutting and measuring for stone placement, spacing, alignment, and depth.
Day 4 — Graver sharpening: sharpening technique specific to micropavé setting.
Day 5 — Setting styles and class project: apply regular, zigzag, shared-prong, and individual-prong setting on practice plates and rings.
What This Class Doesn't Cover Fancy-shaped stones (covered in Fancy Shape Gemstone Setting) and the irregular, triangle, circle, and halo setting styles taught in Micropavé II.
What You'll Leave With Practice plates and rings demonstrating all four micropavé setting styles — ready to continue into Micropavé II, fancy-shape work, or toward the Professional Diamond Setter Diploma.