Stone Setter

Overview

Jaeger‑LeCoultre is a renowned Swiss manufacture of haute horlogerie, recognized for technical innovation and artisanal craftsmanship. As part of the Richemont group, the house combines traditional ateliers with contemporary watchmaking technologies, delivering timepieces that balance aesthetic refinement and mechanical excellence.

Role & Responsibilities

• Precisely set and secure diamonds and precious stones into dials, bezels and case components of luxury timepieces according to technical drawings and quality standards.
• Execute a variety of setting techniques (bezel, pavé, flush, channel, invisible) while preserving stone integrity and visual harmony.
• Work under microscope and with fine hand tools to achieve consistent stone alignment, elevation and flushness with surrounding metal.
• Perform first‑article inspection and final quality control, documenting tolerances, stone placement and any corrective actions.
• Collaborate closely with gemmology, finishing and assembly teams to ensure stones meet gemological specifications and aesthetic intent.
• Maintain and calibrate bench tools and microscopes; ensure a clean, safe atelier environment and compliance with handling protocols.
• Contribute to process improvements and prototype development by providing technical feedback on feasibility and finish.
• Adhere to production schedules while maintaining high standards of finish and minimising rework.

Qualifications

• Vocational diploma or completed apprenticeship in jewellery making, gemmology or watchmaking, or demonstrable equivalent experience.
• Certified training or practical mastery in multiple stone‑setting techniques.
• Exceptional manual dexterity, fine motor control and sustained visual acuity under magnification.
• Thorough knowledge of gemstone properties, hardness and appropriate handling to avoid damage.
• Ability to read technical drawings and follow exacting tolerances.
• Strong commitment to quality assurance and meticulous documentation practices.

Skills

Experience

Several years (typically 3–5+) of professional stone‑setting experience in high‑end jewellery or watchmaking environments, with proven track record of delivering consistent, museum‑quality finishes.

Education

Vocational certificate or apprenticeship in jewellery, gemmology or watchmaking; formal gemmology training preferred.

Culture

The workplace emphasises artisanal excellence, technical rigour and respect for horological tradition. Teams operate within small atelier settings where mentorship, precision and continuous refinement of technique are valued.