JEWELRY STONE SETTING COURSE BUSINESS PLAN

I. Executive Summary

Company Description

The academy, whose name reflects a lineage of traditional lapidary craft, is a U.S.-based trade school launching in 2026 that delivers mastery-level training in gemstone setting. We operate a state-of-the-art facility equipped with professional-grade tools, including Leica microscopes and GRS GraverMach systems, and offer intensive, hands-on courses designed by master jewelers to close a documented skills gap in the fine jewelry industry. One-liner: we teach the single most value-additive skill in jewelry making to professionals and serious artisans.

Our primary services are short-term certificate programs, multi-week mastery tracks, and bespoke workshops focused exclusively on gemstone setting, delivered through small cohorts and one-on-one mentoring. Core activities include practical bench training, microscopic inspection practice, tool rig calibration, competency assessments, and portfolio development. We target working bench jewelers, independent artisans, and bench managers seeking measurable skill upgrades. Short-term goals: launch in 2026, enroll first three cohorts, and certify 60 graduates in year one. Long-term goals: become the leading authority in specialized setting instruction nationwide and establish accredited continuing-education pathways for industry credentialing.

Problem

The fine jewelry industry lacks artisans trained in high-level gemstone setting, creating production bottlenecks, longer lead times, higher scrap and rework rates, and limited ability for jewelers to reach luxury pricing. The market needs reliable, mastery-level setters who can deliver consistent, warranty-safe work. One clear fact: this technical gap is slowing production and limiting margin capture across the trade.

Existing training is broad or entry-level and does not teach the deep, value-additive techniques required by high-end producers. A U.S.-based trade academy launching in 2026, with Leica microscopes, GRS GraverMach systems, and a curriculum by master jewelers, will fill this gap by providing focused, professional-grade instruction. This specialized training is necessary to reduce defects, shorten lead times, and enable jewelers to price and scale into the luxury market.

Solution

We close a clear skills gap in jewelry by delivering an intensive, equipment-first curriculum that teaches advanced gemstone setting in a state-of-the-art facility. The industry lacks artisans with high-level setting skills, which lowers quality, raises outsourcing costs, and limits design options; our focused program directly addresses that shortage. One line: intensive, equipment-first training that closes the industry skill gap.

Core offerings teach foundational bezel and prong techniques, advanced pavé and channel work, and niche masterclasses using professional-grade benches, microscopes, and advanced gravers so professionals gain immediately applicable bench skills for repair shops, design ateliers, and production lines. Result: faster onboarding, higher quality, and expanded design capability.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower jewelry artisans with the precision skills and technical mastery required to excel at the highest levels of the fine jewelry industry by closing the industry's skill gap through expert-led, hands-on education in a state-of-the-art environment.

We foster a community where traditional craftsmanship meets modern innovation to enhance creativity, quality, and career opportunities for every student, and we are committed to being the gold standard for gemstone setting education in the United States.

Key Success Factors

Success rests on technical depth, instructor quality, equipment, partnerships, and scalable capacity.

• Specialized niche focus that differentiates from broad-based jewelry schools.
• Master instructors with professional reputations that attract advanced students.
• Top-tier equipment (industry-grade microscopes and benches) enabling premium tuition.
• Strategic partnerships with industry and tool manufacturers supplying students and marketing support.
• Scalable capacity with a target occupancy of 90% by 2030 to ensure long-term viability.

Financial Summary

Brief financial snapshot of the Jewelry Stone Setting Course for the Executive Summary.

Financial requirements include a minimum cash reserve of $838,000; breakeven is projected in Feb-26 (month 2) with full payback in 25 months; overall IRR is 9.96% and ROE is 4.65%.

Financial outlook: revenue and EBITDA scale rapidly, supporting a strong cash position and timely payback.

Funding Requirements

The academy requires USD 838,000 in initial funding to cover specialized equipment and working capital; breakeven is February 2026 and full payback occurs in 25 months.