Jewellery Setter
Van Cleef & Arpels seeks a Jewellery Setter in Saint‑Dié‑des‑Vosges to join Les Ateliers d'Aurigane, crafting high‑jewellery components.
Overview
Van Cleef & Arpels is a distinguished Parisian maison renowned for its high jewellery, watchmaking and artistic savoir‑faire. As part of the Richemont Group, the house combines creative heritage with exacting artisanal standards; its ateliers emphasise handcraftsmanship, inter‑disciplinary collaboration and long‑term skills transmission.
Role & Responsibilities
- Execute precision hand‑setting of gemstones across high‑jewellery pieces using techniques such as pavé, bead, prong, bezel and flush setting, meeting Maison quality standards.
- Interpret technical drawings and prototypes to select the optimal setting method and finishing sequence for each piece.
- Perform finishing operations — filing, burnishing, polishing and microscopic inspection — to ensure facet integrity, alignment and secure seating of stones.
- Inspect incoming stones and set pieces for quality, report discrepancies, and carry out repairs or adjustments when required.
- Collaborate closely with model makers, polishers, gemmologists and design teams to maintain coherence between creative intent and manufacturability.
- Maintain and calibrate bench tools and optical equipment, uphold strict cleanliness and safety procedures in the atelier.
Qualifications
- Formal vocational training in jewellery, goldsmithing or bench setting (CAP/BEP, apprenticeship or equivalent) or demonstrable equivalent experience in high‑end jewellery.
- Proven competency in multiple setting techniques applied to precious metals and small‑scale, high‑value work.
- Acute visual acuity and fine motor control; ability to work under a microscope for extended periods.
- Strong sense of quality, discretion and respect for confidential creative processes.
Skills
Experience
Typically requires 3+ years of hands‑on experience in stone setting within high‑jewellery or luxury jewellery ateliers; candidates with completed apprenticeships and demonstrable portfolio of work will be prioritised.
Education
Vocational diploma in jewellery/goldsmithing (CAP/BEP) or equivalent apprenticeship; formal gemmology training is advantageous but not mandatory.
Culture
The Maison fosters a culture of meticulous craftsmanship, artistic collaboration and intergenerational skill transfer. Atelier life demands discipline and attention to detail while offering immersion in luxury‑grade making and close collaboration with designers and gem specialists.