My Bench: Sergio Bassil

Sergio Bassil

Works at: Sergio Bassil Gem Setters. Sydney NSW

Age: 64

Years in trade: 46 years

Training: Trained in Paris for 5 years, working with master diamond setters.

Other Qualifications: Diamond setting in Paris.

SIGNATURE PIECE:
 

SAPPHIRE DRESS RING

This ring featured tapered baguettes and round diamonds in a claw setting with a Ceylon blue sapphire in a claw setting. One of the most detailed cluster rings I have set that included various diamond sizes.

Favourite gemstone:

Diamond. Great to work with and the greatest refractor of light, giving it the most sparkle out of the all the gemstones.

Favourite metal:

18-carat white gold.

Favourite tool:

The graver - the most used tool in diamond setting.

Best new tool discovery:

The pulse graver. It is a great new tool for setting diamonds.

Best part of job:

Setting diamonds on different unique pieces that skilled jewellers have created and then seeing the finished piece after it has been polished.

Worst part of job:

Forgetting to take a break and stretch out the body when working on a big piece that requires many hours at the bench.

Best tip from a jeweller:

Spend time on each piece of jewellery to make sure it is perfect.

Best tip to a jeweller:

If you’re starting out as a jeweller, get yourself a great mentor that can teach their skills. This can really help you get much further faster in your career.

Biggest health concern on the bench:

Sitting down for too long. It’s important to get up sometimes and move around and stretch the body.

Love jewellery because:

It is my passion. I have been setting diamonds for more than 40 years and I love seeing the piece come to life once the diamonds and gemstones are set.