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Precision Stone Setting in York
Where Fine Gemstones Meet Master Craftsmanship on The Shambles
A gemstone only reveals its true potential when it is expertly set. Nestled in the heart of historic York, our on-site master goldsmiths specialise in precision stone setting whether you are bringing a bespoke engagement ring design to life, restoring a beloved heirloom, or replacing a missing diamond.
Combining traditional bench techniques perfected over decades with modern ethical sourcing, we craft and restore pieces that are designed to be worn, loved, and passed down through generations.
Our Stone Setting Services
Bespoke Creations & Personalisation
- Tailored Stone Additions: Mark a special milestone by adding new stones to an existing band such as adding birthstones or diamonds to a wedding or eternity ring to celebrate an anniversary or new arrival.
- Custom Bespoke Mounts: From classic claw settings to sleek rub-over bezel designs, we set your chosen loose diamonds and gemstones into custom-made engagement, wedding, and eternity rings tailored entirely to you.
Gemstone Sourcing & Replacement
- Matching Lost or Damaged Stones: Losing or chipping a central or accent gemstone can be heartbreaking. Our gemmologists carefully source replacement diamonds and gemstones to match the exact colour, cut, clarity, and size of your original piece.
- Lab-Grown & Mined Options: We proudly offer both ethically mined and modern lab-grown diamonds and gemstones, giving you freedom of choice without compromising on brilliance or quality.
Heirloom Redesign & Reimagining
- A New Lease of Life: Tastes change, but sentiment endures. If you have inherited a piece of family jewellery that isn't quite your style, we can carefully un-set the original stones and reset them into a contemporary bespoke design — preserving your history in a modern heirloom.
- Structural Reinforcement: Over time, claws wear down and settings loosen. In our York workshop, we inspect, retip, and secure your settings to ensure your stones remain safe for decades to come.
On-Site Workshop Restoration & Care
Because we operate an active goldsmith bench right inside our boutique on historic The Shambles, your precious jewellery stays safely in our hands throughout the process:
- Lapidary & Stone Polishing: Minor scratches or dullness on older gemstones can often be polished directly in our workshop, restoring their original lustre without replacing the stone. Read more on our restoration services page.
- Claw & Setting Repair: We repair worn prongs, re-set loose stones, and reinforce vintage mounts directly on-site on The Shambles.
Choosing Your Stone
Understanding your options makes designing or restoring jewellery a truly personal experience. Explore our dedicated guides to learn more about stone characteristics, durability, and ethics:
Read Our Guide to Diamonds →
Learn about the 4 Cs, the beauty of lab-grown diamonds, and how to select the perfect sparkling centrepiece for your setting.
Read Our Guide to Gemstones →
Discover the vibrant worlds of sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and birthstones, including hardness scales for daily wear.
Why Trust Our Shambles Workshop?
| Feature | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| On-Site Craftsmen | Your precious jewellery never leaves our secure shop premises in York. |
| Vintage & Modern Expertise | Deep understanding of antique claw work and delicate vintage aesthetics, handled with care on modern precision mounts. |
| Ethical & Lab-Grown Options | Transparent sourcing of both lab-grown and ethically mined diamonds and gemstones. |
How It Works: The Stone Setting Journey
- Consultation & Assessment: Visit us on The Shambles with your idea, damaged piece, or heirloom. We inspect the setting under magnification and discuss your vision.
- Stone Sourcing & Selection: If replacing or adding stones, we present a curated selection of loose diamonds or gemstones (lab-grown or natural) for you to view in person.
- Master Craftsmanship: Our in-house goldsmith precisely prepares the metal, sets the stone by hand, and ensures every claw and bezel is secure.
- Final Polish & Reveal: Your piece undergoes a full workshop clean and polish, ready for you to collect and treasure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you add extra stones to my existing wedding band or eternity ring?
Yes, in many cases we can drill and flush-set or grain-set extra stones into existing solid metal bands to mark special anniversaries or births.
Is it better to choose a lab-grown diamond or a mined diamond for stone setting?
Both lab-grown and natural diamonds share identical optical and chemical properties. Lab-grown diamonds allow for larger or higher-grade stones at a more accessible price point, while natural diamonds carry historical appeal. Visit our Guide to Diamonds to compare.
Will my heirloom jewellery be sent away for stone setting?
No. All stone setting, claw repair, and polishing are carried out inside our secure, on-site workshop right here on The Shambles in York.
Contact Us
- Address : 42 Shambles, York, YO1 7LZ
- 01904 628781
- littleshamblesjewellers@hotmail.com