Stone Setting, Diamonds & Jewellery Design With Goldsmith Sonia Cheadle

We have stocked Sonia Cheadle's popular book, 'Design & Make: Mounting & Setting Stones' for many years now and today we're so excited to share this chat on everything gems and jewellery making with Sonia.

Sonia is an incredible goldsmith, specialising in gold and diamond jewellery, creating truly unique and innovative designs using statement gems and a huge range of skill. We learn all about her jewellery making journey, dive into her designs and learn her top tips for success when it comes to setting stones and finding your signature style. We also hear all about Sonia's experience of writing her popular book and what you can expect from it - could there be another book? Find out below!

“Mum, Dad, I want to be a jeweller!”

Hi Sonia, how did you first discover jewellery making and what was it that drew you to this craft?

It was by luck really… whilst slightly bored during a college trip to view the Ceramics department at Loughborough University, I wandered down the corridor and discovered their Jewellery Studio, I was instantly drawn to the ‘tinking’ of hammers and the heat from the forge.

I returned home that afternoon and proclaimed “Mum, Dad, I want to be a jeweller!”

What colours do you love using in your designs?

I love all things green, and have a draw full of tourmaline, tsavorite garnet, beryl and chrysoprase… however I have never used any of them in my work… maybe it’s time to release the greens!

What’s your top tip for those wanting to get started in stone setting?

Don’t be afraid to give it a go, the more times you repeat a technique the more refined it’ll be. Sadly, there is no quick solution to either mount making or setting, it’s all about practice. I have a saying for my students which is “practice makes permanent”.

“Practice makes permanent..."

How would you describe your style?

Understated and elegant diamond jewellery, designed to be worn and celebrated every single day.

Favourite metal to work with and why?

18ct Gold is my main metal, it’s an absolute joy to work with and I adore the subtle tonal colours from yellow, to rose and white.

Your photos are incredible, how important is the photography for your business?

Thank you… it took many years of experimenting and trying different photographers, spending varying amounts of money from nothing to hundreds of pounds and with only mediocre results. Then I found Robert Holmes, he understood my work immediately and he is responsible for making my work come alive in image… this relationship is hugely important to my business and his expertise is invaluable in communicating and portraying my work.

"As a designer you have to be constantly inquisitive and not afraid to experiment..."

How did you find your own style and what advice would you give those trying to find their own?

It’s something that was built after years of feeding my creative gene with visual inspiration. As a designer you have to be constantly inquisitive and not afraid to experiment, I often produced hundreds of models and maquettes as I find they assist me with the 3D visualisation of each design.

Tell us about your jewellery collections and the inspiration behind them

I draw inspiration from Art Deco, Early Cartier, Architecture, Maps and City Nightscapes. I also have a self-confessed obsession with engineering, but on a miniature scale and can spend hours solving technical issues like how to make a mount ‘tremble’ or how to make a stone rotate.

"The brief was to create x2 bangles that could be worn either individually or combined… from start to finish the whole project took just over 12 months..."

Tell us about one commission you’ll never forget!

I was commissioned to re-design an inherited diamond bracelet… it was a very classic piece with both Marquise and Baguette diamonds. The brief was to create x2 bangles that could be worn either individually or combined… from start to finish the whole project took just over 12 months.

The opportunity to work with such magnificent stones and to create something so individual and personal. Bringing new life into an old, over looked bracelet is something I will cherish for many years to come.

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We stock your book ‘Mounting & Setting Stones’ – tell us about this book and what people can expect from it

I was commissioned by A&C Blacks to create a book to cover both topics of Mounting & Setting… at the time there was a huge gap in the market as these x2 very distinct disciplines had never been combined before, which is a bit ridiculous if you think about it, as there’s no way you can set a stone unless you are able to make the mount first, right?

The book is designed and divided to look at the 7 main styles of setting; Rub-over, Claw, Gypsy, Pave, Channel, Tension and Set from behind. Each chapter provides an exercise to show how the individual mounts can be constructed, alongside a detailed description of how the stones are then set securely in place.

Is this book suitable for beginners as well as experienced jewellers?

I hope every level of maker, from complete beginner to established will find the book an invaluable tool for all things mounting and setting related. There are also top Bench Tips peppered throughout and the language and layout are designed to help demystify these two very complex and specialist jewellery making areas.

What was the most rewarding and challenging part of writing a book?

Seeing it finally in print, after 4 years of preparations.

Shop Book

"All stones are fabulous. Mix them up, blend them in, be bold, be subtle, but just use them..."

What’s sparking your inspiration right now?

I seek to find the more unusual cut of diamond and I am a huge fan of the old rose cuts… but I have recently fallen in love with faceted pearls, unbelievably jaw dropping how the surface of each pearl is cut, faceted and then polished to create the ultimate pearls and ones that ‘sparkles!’

Tell us about your experience of being a tutor and your favourite part about teaching

I tutor a short course several times a year on Mount making and Gypsy Setting at The Goldsmiths Centre in Clerkenwell, London. It’s a fantastic two days absolutely crammed packed with jewellery tips and tricks but the most rewarding thing about sharing my knowledge is the little ‘lightbulb’ moments that many students experience once a technique is made clear… then following their progress and seeing how they use what they learnt in their future designs.

What is your favourite stone setting technique and why?

I’m a huge fan of Channel setting, especially with baguette diamonds, it’s so simple by design yet pretty complex to achieve beautifully.

What’s one gemstone you would love to see more jewellers use?

All stones are fabulous. Mix them up, blend them in, be bold, be subtle, but just use them.

Any plans for more books in the future?

Haha…. Nooooooooo. Unless commissioned to tackle the mindfeild that is ‘spectacle’ setting.

Follow Sonia Cheadle

WEBSITE - INSTAGRAM - FACEBOOK

Look Inside Sonia's Book, Design & Make: Mounting & Setting Stones

Shop Book

Discover diamonds

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What Our Customers Say...

Sarah Tiley

Whenever I feel unsure as to where to purchase any stones or jewellery requirements I always go back to what is familiar. Thank you Kernowcraft for being true to your customers.

Jenny Kirkwood

Love the service you get and appreciate the range of products on offer. I just used the alligator tape for the first time and found myself asking - where have you been all my life?

Vivienne Sadler

Always too many temptations, but a joy to look through. Thank you for such good service. I have to be very strict with myself when I visit your website!

Jaquie

It can be difficult to order gemstones online - no such worries with Kernowcraft - you really do care about your products & clients and it shows.

Joel Martin

Great, easy to navigate website with wonderful clear photographs. I look forward to receiving my order... it's going to be like Christmas!

Claire

I just wanted to say a big thank you for the beautiful sapphires that arrived today. Hannah picked out just what I wanted and I’m over the moon with them.

Lydia Farrow

Just to say that I have always had the best possible results for every order - however small and all your products are of excellent quality.

Lenna

Hi, just a quick email to thank you for my cross and chain - I love it. What a speedy service - ordered it yesterday and wearing it tonight. Thank you very much.

Lauren Jodie Piercy

Beautiful gemstones and a lot of choice. Running competitions and being interactive as well really sets them apart. Keep up the interesting content.

Kim Thomson

I have been using Kernowcraft since 1997 and still regularly recommend them to all my students.

I added a special request for moonstones with strong blue/green flashes and received 3 briolettes which were exactly that - some of the prettiest moonstones I’ve seen. Thank you!

Rhiannon Piper

The opal I received is absolutely amazing and just perfect. Its such a beautiful stone and I tried it with my wedding dress yesterday and its just set it off so well.

Denise Mountain Pike

I recently ordered a couple of replacement stones from you and I'd just like to say how happy I am with my purchase and very impressed with the friendly helpful service you gave. Thank you very much.

April Luescher

Beautiful quality and colours - I rarely buy semi-precious stones anywhere else these days. Very helpful, superb service, speedy delivery. What more could anyone want?

Jill Hammersely

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to the team, particularly the ladies that helped me yesterday. Delivery took less than 24hrs, that's amazing. The quality of both cabochons and settings are stunning.

Catherine Warwick

Just received my order that I placed only yesterday. I wanted to say thank you! I am delighted with the choice of cabochon, setting and books. Now I have to read up on how to set it! FABULOUS SERVICE - Thank you!

Maggi Henman

I’ve just had my first order from you and I am so pleased with the fast delivery and the quality of the products. The satin cords and the findings really finished off my ceramic jewellery.

Marshal

Thank you to the lady who went to a great deal of trouble to find a very small opal that fitted a bezel cup. The work is now complete and looks very nice - my wife is delighted with the result.

Helen Bowles

I felt compelled to write to you, as I'm so impressed with your quick service! I've been a Kernowcraft customer for years and have never had anything but reliable, efficient service from you.

Daniel Coe

The customer service I have received from you and the help has been second to none. If only all companies were so helpful and understanding that i am a complete newbie. The retail world would be a better place.

Mihaela Ciubotaru

I am very happy with my products... it is wonderful to have a reliable source of materials and gems with a fast delivery and a lot of tips on how to use the tools we buy.

George Inglis

Great looking website, one of the best I've seen and used. Good search function, good range of products, good prices and great advice for jewellery makers of all abilities. All-in-all a great site and one I'll use again and again.

Janice Scragg

Your website is easy to use, your products excellent, nice friendly service on the phone and delivery quick, excellent. Thank you and well done Kernowcraft. Gold star!

Frank Wilson

I have grown as a jewellery maker over the last year or so due to the encouragement the team have given me - they are all experienced jewellery makers or keen crafters. They have helped to guide me through my inventory, offered helpful tips and advice on all manner of silver working.

Gloria Williams

I just came across your online shop and my first reaction was wow! It has everything i need to carry on with my jewellery making. I've seen things that i have been looking for and couldn't find in so many other shops!

Catriona

Thank you for my recent order as I'm blown away by all the lovely pieces. I don't really know what to start work on first. Thank you for supplying top quality items on a easy to use website.

Eve

The stones are excellent quality, and the special request I put in for dark citrines and paired malachites has been met perfectly. I am delighted with Kernowcraft, and will be back!

Hayley Meredith

I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing service from Kernowcraft. I find your website easy to navigate, products good quality and the delivery is second to none!

Dorota Todd

I just wanted to say how impressed I am with the quality of pearls in my recent order! Thank you so much for taking time and matching them into pairs, it's very appreciated. Thank you and I am definitely going to buy at your store in the future.

Christine Wood

Just want to say a very big thank you for your quick delivery and excellent service. The stones I ordered arrived this morning, the quality and price are second to none. I was delighted with my purchase. Thank you so much.

Claire Hall

Kernowcraft is my go to for all my gemstones! Their stones are the first ones I show when offering my clients stone choices and I can't recommend their customer service enough! This is a company that cares!

Julia Schofield

I’ve used Kernowcraft as a supplier for findings and pearls since beginning my business 8 years ago, because I know I can absolutely rely on the quality I get. The service is pretty impeccable too.

Frank Wilson

It is always a joy to deal with your Company and your hints and tips always help me to improve my skills and encourage my interests. Thank you for caring about us small enthusiastic silversmiths!

Deborah Roberts-Barter

I have sent a couple of email enquiries today, which have been really quickly answered. This customer service is what made me order with you straight away!

Lynn Carson

I bought the sand dollar charm to make a holiday bracelet. It’s really lovely, subtle and pretty detail. Perfect piece and exactly as described.

Helen

Just wanted to say thank you for picking such beautiful stones for my order. I'm halfway through making a ring for my daughter and the rose cut rainbow moonstones are particularly yummy. Thank you!

Stone Setting, Diamonds & Jewellery Design With Goldsmith Sonia Cheadle

“Mum, Dad, I want to be a jeweller!”

Hi Sonia, how did you first discover jewellery making and what was it that drew you to this craft?

What colours do you love using in your designs?

What’s your top tip for those wanting to get started in stone setting?

“Practice makes permanent..."

How would you describe your style?

Favourite metal to work with and why?

Your photos are incredible, how important is the photography for your business?

"As a designer you have to be constantly inquisitive and not afraid to experiment..."

How did you find your own style and what advice would you give those trying to find their own?

Tell us about your jewellery collections and the inspiration behind them

"The brief was to create x2 bangles that could be worn either individually or combined… from start to finish the whole project took just over 12 months..."

Tell us about one commission you’ll never forget!

We stock your book ‘Mounting & Setting Stones’ – tell us about this book and what people can expect from it

Is this book suitable for beginners as well as experienced jewellers?

What was the most rewarding and challenging part of writing a book?

"All stones are fabulous. Mix them up, blend them in, be bold, be subtle, but just use them..."

What’s sparking your inspiration right now?

Tell us about your experience of being a tutor and your favourite part about teaching

What is your favourite stone setting technique and why?

What’s one gemstone you would love to see more jewellers use?

Any plans for more books in the future?

Follow Sonia Cheadle

WEBSITE - INSTAGRAM - FACEBOOK

Look Inside Sonia's Book, Design & Make: Mounting & Setting Stones

Discover diamonds

Also in this section:

What Our Customers Say...

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