Erin Cox Combining Creativity & Stone Setting

You simply can’t master stone setting from inherent talent alone; It takes hours of practise and patience. Firstly, an exact framework must be crafted and then, precise manipulation of metal secures a stone in place…no, we don’t just ‘stick them in’! Setting stones requires specialist tools such as drills, burrs, burnishers and pushers. This is why, within the industry, it is common place for jewellers to outsource their stone setting to a specialist.

Only a select, few designer-maker jewellers have the combined talent, experience and patience to successfully set stones (in various shapes and sizes) ‘in house’. We are proud to say that Erin Cox is one of them! Erin was introduced to this traditional skill while studying at Sir John Cass Department of Art at London Guildhall University, and has spent her career developing and honing these impressive skills. She approaches setting gems like engineering projects on a tiny scale, working under magnification to ensure precision and integrity.

What sets Erin apart from traditional setters and jewellers is her creative approach to the art. Many jewellers limit their offerings to pre-fabricated cast settings & ring blanks. This limits the designs they can offer. Whilst we appreciate the value of using cast components when appropriate, Erin’s ability to hand fabricate a setting the ‘old school’ way has unlocked a creative freedom which allows her to offer her customers varied and intriguing designs.

Her combined artistic vision and technical skills have led to delightful results! From heart shaped setting back holes, to bubble bezels, to sneaky set diamonds, the following pictures show a variety of projects that reflect Erin’s playful and contemporary approach to a traditional art.