Diamond Setter Career Guide 2026 — Skills, Salary & Where the Jobs Are
6 min read · Updated 28 August 2026
India processes most of the world's diamonds — and someone has to set every one of them. Skilled diamond setters are among the best-paid craft workers in the jewellery industry. Here's how the career works.
Types of setting work
- Prong/claw setting — the foundation skill; solitaires and studs.
- Pave & micro-pave — highest demand and highest pay; tiny stones set under microscope.
- Channel setting — bands and bracelets.
- Bezel & flush setting — modern minimalist designs.
- Invisible setting — rare specialists, premium rates.
Where the jobs are
Surat is the world capital of diamond work — thousands of setter jobs across units. Mumbai (SEEPZ, BKC export houses) pays the most. Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai also have strong demand. Organised retail brands now hire in-house setters for repair and customisation in every metro.
Salary progression
- Trainee/helper: ₹8,000 – ₹14,000/month.
- Setter (2–4 years): ₹18,000 – ₹30,000/month.
- Micro-pave specialist (5+ years): ₹35,000 – ₹55,000/month.
- Master setter / line supervisor: ₹50,000 – ₹70,000+/month.
How to grow faster
Learn microscope setting early — it separates the top earners from the rest. Keep photos of your finished work. Learn to read CAD stone maps, since most factories now give digital layouts. And keep your profile active on JewelTasks so recruiters in Surat and Mumbai can find you by exact skill.
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