[Jewelry making - Article 00503] - Re: [Orchid] Experience with H&S's new precut setting

[Jim Zimmerman]

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Hi Bruce,

    If your referring to Hoover and Strong. I would totally agree.
    Pre-cut heads are a nice idea and will make the job go a bit faster,
    but there is a more to it than just straight cut pockets. I do
    undercutting for princes cuts and relief holes for the points. These
    are not included in the precut heads. Also a first year setter is not
    going to know hand pressure for tightening. He will also not be
    familiar with seat correction for unevenly cut stones. 

    Trying to hold down overhead cost with under trained staff is in my
    opinion false economy. The saving in wages will be offset by chip
    stones and lost customers. 

    A good setter in India might only make $2500.00/year. (I don't know
    that true for sure.) This will change the way business is done in the
    North America, but not totally. I think if a retail customer found out
    that his Diamond was going to India for setting he would have a
    problem with that. So remounts and custom order should still be
    pretty safe business. Manufacturing is going to have to evolve form
    long run standard design into short run cutting edge style designs.
    I'm sure this will not deter nock-offs from India because I don't
    think they have much respect for design patens. Long distance
    manufacturing suffers form one flaw. Its a little rigid in concept and
    delivery. Versatility and proximity is the equalizer. This shouldn't
    be anything new to jewellers, so your going to have work smarter to
    make a living. 

Jim

Jim Zimmerman
Alpine Custom Jewellers & Repair
http://www.handengravingcanada.com

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