01

The Knowledge

Deep, honest writing on technique, tools, and the industry — from someone who has worked at the highest levels of fine jewellery.

02

The Training

Structured courses built on a curriculum that has taken students from zero to working professional. The Microsetting Academy.

03

The Community

A growing global network of setters, makers, and jewellers who care about doing the work properly. Join via the newsletter.

Ian Barnard — Founder

Nobody handed me this.

I didn't apprentice at sixteen. Didn't come from a jewellery family. I spent years building oil refineries in the Canadian north — and taught myself to set stones because I wanted to make my fiancée's engagement ring myself.

What followed was a relentless pursuit of the finest teachers in the world. St. Petersburg. Antwerp. And eventually Graff Diamonds in London, where I set some of the most extraordinary stones ever found.

Read the full story
Oil & gas constructionNorthern Canada
Diamond setting studiesSt. Petersburg, Russia
Advanced trainingAntwerp, Belgium
Graff DiamondsLondon
41.69ct D Flawless — Meya Prosperity 2Set at Graff
World-class training

Learn to set diamonds at the highest level.

The Microsetting Academy is a complete online curriculum — from absolute beginner to advanced techniques used by the best houses in the world. Built by Ian Barnard. Taught properly.

The Microsetting Academy
Complete curriculum — all levels
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Castle Setting Pro
Advanced techniques
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Fishtail Setting Pro
Advanced techniques
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