Alexandre Sidorov

Biography

The mastery of Alexandre Sidorov is an extraordinary blend of unequaled technical expertise with beautiful, creative artistry. Born in Kherson, Ukraine, Alexandre’s heritage provided an important career foundation.

His early trade experience included two years with the Russian military’s demanding bureau of high precision micro-stamp engraving. This work required microscopically perfect handwork executed in a variety of tough metals.

Following this, Sidorov studied in a jewelry “atelier”, a special artist’s studio, where he learned extensive goldsmithing skills. This formal education combined with rigorous self-study prepared him to develop his own creative setting methods executed at a level of practical perfection.

In 1994, Alexandre left the Ukraine for Antwerp, Belgium, the world’s diamond center. He worked in a private shop where he enjoyed the freedom to experiment and create exquisite high-end jewelry.

During the next six years, Sidorov’s special techniques evolved even further. His methods of setting stones with absolute precision, remarkable speed and exceptional efficiency were in such demand that he started his own training program to teach them.

Today, teaching and helping others become a high level successful stone setter is his passion. The effect on students is life-altering, providing them with world-class bench skills they never dreamed possible.

This is a rare opportunity for jewelers and stone setters to learn from a very remarkable man. The career of each attendee will be enriched forever in just two weeks. We wish there was room for more people.

2009 Course Information

Innovative Techniques
for World-Class Stone Setting

(This course is for experienced setters.)

This course is a valuable blend of setting techniques by Alexandre. It includes his innovative multiple stone pavé for round stones 1.1 to 2.0mm. Sidorov will also reveal unique single stone settings for 3 to 5mm stones. Because many of his techniques depend on special tools, Alexandre will teach how to make them and where to get them. In addition, Sidorov has planned time for the attendees to actually choose part of the curriculum. He promises to share any of his techniques as requested by consensus.

Attendees are not expected to be expert setters, but Alexandre requires the use of a GraverMax or GraverMach. Without this power assist, hand setters will be unable to execute all of his special techniques. Alexandre knows this from experience because he was a hand setter for many years.

Each person will have their own bench for all 10 class days, and all tools will be provided. Never before has Alexandre taught in the United States, and never has he offered a two-week program.

Learning Objectives

• How to lay out multiple stone settings
• Setting techniques that are faster, safer and more attractive
• Secure pavé setting with 2 beads per stone
• Advanced pavé using more than 2 beads per stone
• New ways to use power handpieces
• Working on flat, concave and convex surfaces
• Secret techniques from around the world
• Time-saving ways to use rotary burs
• Bright-cut work with fewer graver cuts
• Beading tool use, selection and maintenance
• How to price high-end stone setting to clients
• When and how to use carbide burs and gravers
• Setting in tough metals including stainless steel watches
• Making special tools