Goldsmiths’ Centre launches its master class series

Suttons Tools was joined by the Alexandre Diamond Optical Setting and Engraving School of Antwerp to demonstrate the results that can be achieved using an optical microscope and air-powered tools, through a combination of video presentations, live demonstrations and hands-on sessions.

Seventy professionals from across the country attended the showcase, with some jewellers partaking in special one-to-one sessions the following day. Expert stone-setter Alexander Sidorov shared his experience of using the microscope as his main working tool, an innovative approach that gives professionals the skills to achieve a high setting quality in a relatively short period of time.

“The vibrant, modern facilities of the Goldsmiths’ Centre provided the ideal environment for demonstrating a technique that will make a huge difference to the future of diamond-setting,” remarked Sidorov.

“The Centre’s role as an expert knowledge base for the jewellery, goldsmithing and allied trades, and a focus for new ideas and techniques makes it pivotal in bringing professionals together to learn, develop and excel, and a natural place to share new skills and ideas. I very much hope we will work together in the future.”

Director of the Goldsmiths’ Centre Peter Taylor added: “We set up the Goldsmiths’ Centre as a place of expertise and opportunity. This event has been the perfect opportunity to bring the unique skills of a prestigious school to a wider trade audience, and we hope to continue working with the Alexandre School to provide more training opportunities in the future. We were also delighted that Suttons Tools, the UK distributor of the GRS equipment used, felt able to support the event and provide demonstrations to visitors.”