What advice would you give anyone that is considering attending a course at the Alexandre School?
4 Maxime Carriere If stone setting is something you want to take seriously, Alexandre is an amazing teacher and master of the art. His teaching methods are really for the ones that want to succeed. Many hours will be spent at the bench setting hundreds on stones, it's a dedication that needs to happen if you want to become a great setter. Learn from each mistake, and always push your abilities to try new things you didn't think were possible. Robert Robins If you attend the course gain as much knowledge from Alexandre as you can. He is full of knowledge, and I learned a lot more than just diamond setting from him. I went every day including weekends, you don’t have to do weekends, but you’ll be surprised how fast the time goes, so spend as much time in that learning bubble as you can because doing it twice isn’t really an option!! Kevin Biehn I would say that if you're gonna go over, I would really try to hone your skills with all of the pneumatic equipment as far as GRS stuff goes. Learn your bright cuts and get your bur control down. Really just try to get all the fundamentals of setting understood, maybe not really developed, but just to have a grasp of what you're gonna do when you get over there. So that's what I would say, to really practice and try to figure out before you head over. Kevin Biehn To be completely honest with you, we were in class six days a week, 8 hours a day, working. Sunday was optional, we got to go in if we wanted. Since all of the countries were closed down, we really couldn't travel much or do anything. We all just stayed and worked the entire time. You know, I didn't miss a single day. In that process, I'd say the point that I enjoyed most was just being in the classroom with Alexandre and being able to ask him questions. And basically, like pick his brain for everything he's worked so hard for, to figure out over all the years of trial and error. So, I can't say I have a pinpointed favorite part other than just to really have all those questions and to be in the presence of Alexandre.
Ben Bentvelzen I did the following which was very helpful for me. I took the ‘test week’ early in January 2013, passed it, went home with all the tools, built a bench just like the ones at the school, bought a compressor and practiced like a madman cutting circles, squares and doing drilling exercises until my 3 months officially started early in April of that year. This was of massive help. From the first day being back I could cut ‘acceptable’ (as Alexandre would say) filet lines and had pretty solid bur skills. So I flew through the standard program he normally does with his students and around week 6 we started to do some really cool unusual practice projects. I understand I was able to do this because Holland and Belgium are neighbour countries within easy driving distance from each other. But if a future student happens to be in a similar position I highly recommend doing the same! SterlingHofmann The main advice I'd give would be to not put it off! Make whatever arrangements you need to so you can take the course right away. There are so many great schools out there for stone setting, engraving, and working under a microscope, but few compare to the scope of knowledge that you can attain from Alexandre's. I'd also suggest that you start using a microscope and pneumatic handpiece right away. They are two invaluable tools that every jeweler should be proficient with. Also, push Alexandre to give you more projects and learn as much as you can in the short three months. He has so much more to offer than just the standard class load and he is willing to share his knowledge if you ask for it. Maxime Carriere I made some great new friends which we would all hangout after class and enjoy some great Belgium beers. Overall best 3 months ever! Robert Robins I couldn’t pick one moment. My class mates were great, Alexandre, Maxim and the team are great, and being immersed in the classes is something I thrived on. They can be very intense. I had a great time there in general. Antwerp is full of great restaurants, bars, and things to do. I just had a great time when I was there! I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
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