Van Cleef & Arpels Jewellery Setter

Van Cleef & Arpels is a maison of high jewellery and watches renowned for exceptional craftsmanship and poetic design. As part of the Richemont group, the brand maintains dedicated ateliers where traditional savoir‑faire and rigorous quality standards are combined with contemporary creativity to produce artisanal, limited‑series pieces.

1. Execute precise stone setting across a range of techniques (pavé, prong, bezel, flush, invisible) on high‑jewellery pieces to brand quality standards.
2. Prepare and finish settings by filing, burnishing and microscopic inspection to ensure secure mounting and flawless visual appearance.
3. Carry out detailed quality control of set stones, verifying alignment, tightness, seat integrity and aesthetic uniformity before handover.
4. Collaborate with design, polishing and production teams to sequence work and meet production schedules while safeguarding artistic intent.
5. Maintain and care for specialised bench tools and optical equipment (loupe, stereomicroscope); report and flag tooling maintenance needs.
6. Document production steps and non‑conformities, and participate in continuous improvement and skills transmission within the atelier.

1. Vocational qualification in jewellery‑making, gem‑setting, or metalwork, or equivalent certified apprenticeship.
2. Excellent manual dexterity, superior hand‑eye coordination and sustained fine‑motor control.
3. Acute visual acuity; familiarity with loupe and stereomicroscope inspection techniques.
4. Thorough knowledge of gemstone properties (hardness, cleavage, brittleness) and appropriate handling procedures.
5. Commitment to meticulous quality standards and respect for heritage craftsmanship methods.

1. Pavé setting
2. Prong setting
3. Bezel setting
4. Flush (gypsy) setting
5. Invisible setting
6. Use of loupe and stereomicroscope
7. Micro filing and burnishing
8. Soldering and basic bench jewellery techniques
9. Gemstone handling and identification

Several years (typically 3+ years) of hands‑on experience in high‑jewellery or fine‑jewellery stone setting, with demonstrable work on complex pieces and high standards of finish.

Vocational diploma or apprenticeship in jewellery, gem‑setting or metalwork, or equivalent professional training/experience.

The Maison cultivates a culture of artisanal excellence and meticulous attention to detail, where traditional techniques are preserved and transmitted within collaborative ateliers. Employees are expected to combine technical mastery with discretion and respect for the maison’s creative legacy.