Tim Ignatov
Jewellery Manufacturing, Microsetting & Polishing Specialist

With a distinguished career as an accredited and award‑winning diamond setter, Tim Ignatov DGA brings exceptional technical expertise and a deep understanding of commercial workshop needs in professional jewellery training.

Beginning his career as a professional polisher, Tim later retrained as Stonesetter, later refining his skills in Antwerp, where he undertook specialist training in both diamonds and microsetting.

Tim has served as Head Setter for over eight years, supporting shops and manufacturing companies across the UK—including London, Birmingham, Leicester, Derby, Leeds, Cheltenham, and Cardiff. His work spans high‑end retail, trade workshops, and large‑scale manufacturing environments, giving him a practical understanding of the pressures, standards, and efficiencies required in today’s jewellery industry.

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Tim’s reputation for excellence is reflected in private commissions and a proven track record of developing new talent. He has mentored multiple apprentices, two of whom now work for Graff Diamonds on Bond Street, and three who have gone on to win industry awards and secure prestigious positions.

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As a tutor, Tim offers hands‑on, production‑focused training shaped by years of real workshop experience. His teaching is ideal for companies seeking to:

• Upskill existing staff in diamond setting or microsetting

• Improve workshop efficiency and reduce outsourcing costs

• Strengthen quality control and technical consistency

• Develop apprentices or junior bench staff

• Introduce new setting capabilities in‑house

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Currently working as a freelance production manager and private setting tutor, Tim combines technical mastery with a collaborative, supportive teaching style. His previous roles include Director of TIG Diamonds and nearly a decade at Brown & Newirth, where he led as Head Diamond Setter.

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Awards & Recognition

- Freeman of the Goldsmiths’ Company of London (2023)

- Gem-A Diamond Diploma (2022)

- GCDC Silver Award for Senior Setter (2019)

- GCDC Gold Award for Junior Setter (2018)

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Whether your company needs targeted skills training, apprentice development, or a complete in‑house setting programme, Tim offers a rare opportunity to bring top‑tier expertise directly into your workshop, combining tradition, innovation, and a genuine passion for teaching.