Stone Setter (Sertisseur)
Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris seeks a Stone Setter (Sertisseur) to join its high‑jewellery atelier.
Overview
Van Cleef & Arpels is a Parisian maison of high jewellery renowned for artisanal craftsmanship, poetic designs and meticulous gem‑setting techniques. As part of the Richemont group, the brand combines a historic atelier tradition with rigorous quality standards and an international retail network.
Role & Responsibilities
- Execute precision stone‑setting operations across high‑jewellery collections (pavé, prong/claw, bezel, flush and micro‑setting) to the maison’s technical drawings and aesthetic standards.
- Prepare mounts and stones, control fit and finish, and perform delicate bench work using loupes and microscopes.
- Carry out final quality control on set stones—checking alignment, security, symmetry and surface finish—and rectify any defects.
- Collaborate with design, prototyping and restoration teams to adapt settings to bespoke commissions and prototypes.
- Maintain tools, jigs and the workstation to strict cleanliness and conservation protocols; ensure all work is documented in workshop records.
- Adhere to health, safety and precious‑materials handling procedures; participate in continuous improvement and technical skills transfer within the atelier.
Qualifications
- Vocational qualification in jewellery, goldsmithing or stone‑setting (CAP, BTS, or equivalent) or demonstrable apprenticeship background.
- Proven mastery of traditional and micro‑setting techniques specific to high‑jewellery.
- Exceptional fine motor skills, visual acuity and patience for repetitive, detailed work.
- Strong sense of aesthetics, proportion and respect for heritage craftsmanship.
- Ability to read technical drawings and follow precise production tolerances.
Skills
Experience
Typically 3–5 years of hands‑on experience in stone setting within high‑jewellery or luxury jewellery ateliers; experience with bespoke and restoration work is highly valued.
Education
Vocational diploma or certificate in jewellery making, goldsmithing or stone setting (CAP, BEP, BTS or equivalent) or formal apprenticeship completion.
Culture
The maison places artisanal savoir‑faire and meticulous eye for detail at the centre of its atelier culture. Teams operate within a studio environment that prizes craftsmanship, intergenerational skills transmission and respect for heritage techniques while supporting technical innovation.