Advanced Stone Setting: How the Masterclasses Took Iain Sainsbury’s Skills to the Next Level (podcast episode)
In this week's episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jessica Rose talks with jeweller and community member Iain Sainsbury to explore his journey through the Advanced Stone Setting Masterclasses program - an advanced training series designed for jewellers ready to refine their fine jewellery and stone-setting skills.
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Iain shares how he discovered jewellery making after career burnout, and why the Masterclasses became the perfect next step in his learning. From tackling the challenges of piercing and decorative collets with Anelia Kuprina, to pushing his stone-setting skills further with Scott McIntyre, and making tiara wedding rings with April Dace, Iain reflects on the breakthroughs, struggles, and valuable lessons he’s gained along the way.
This conversation highlights not just the technical skills taught in the program, but also the importance of community, accountability, and feedback in the learning journey. Iain talks about his philosophy of 'slow making,' the benefits of creating prototypes, and how he’s been able to transfer his new skills into his own sand-casting practice.
Whether you’re curious about the Masterclasses, looking for inspiration to challenge yourself, or eager to hear from a fellow jeweller’s perspective, this episode offers insights, encouragement, and practical takeaways.
Enrolment is now open for the Jewellers Masterclasses. Choose to enrol on one or save by buying the bundle.
Online masterclasses
About iain
In 2018, after two decades in the pharmaceutical industry Iain left his career through burnout and found designing and making jewellery during his recovery.
He is a fine jeweller who centres his work around mixing rough sandcasting with fine jewellery techniques to create one-of-a-kind pieces. He reimagines iconic designs, such as sculptures, or jewellery styles using beach sand to create contrasting textures, and gemstones to add emphasis and colour. He has completed both the Fine and Advance Diplomas and has since exhibited at national shows such as Goldsmiths North and Made Brighton. In 2025 he was shortlisted for the NAJ Awards for "Collection of the Year” with his ATOMIUM collection.
All pieces are handmade in his workshop with ethically sourced gemstones and either single mine origin or recycled precious metals.
Website: https://iainsainsbury.com/
Instagram: @iains_jewellery
the Handmade Jewellers
In episode of The Handmade Jewellers, Jess visits Cambridge to meet jeweller Iain Sainsbury where they discuss Iain’s jewellery journey and try sandcasting, Iain’s signature technique.
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