The custom jewelry process

Have you ever wondered how fine custom jewelry was created? The process is really very simple. Most fine jewelry is created using a technique called the "lost wax" method. First a specific design has to be created. This usually requires a person who has a fair amount of ability to render a drawing which looks like the finished piece! Once the designer and client agree on the design, the next step is for the item to be carved using a special wax (there are different wax products depending on the object desired). The designer and client should meet and approve the wax- now is the time for any changes to be made. At this time, any appropriate stones can be placed to give the client an idea of what the finished piece will look like and to check for size, fit etc. Next the wax model is set up in a metal cylinder so that a plaster-like material can be poured over the entire piece. This is then set out to dry. Next comes the oven. This next step is critical- it takes a trained artisan to work the oven so that it heats to the proper temperature over the proper sequence of hours. If this step is not done properly the piece may be badly damaged or need a lot of repair. Assuming that all has gone well, once this step is completed the wax will have drained out and the remaining plaster is now the mold into which your metal of choice (silver, gold or platinum) will be cast. After the metal is cast, it is ready to be finished. This is a time-consuming process which requires the use of various tools like small files (much like nail files)and little polishing wheels. Then, any stones (diamonds, rubies, sapphires etc) are added. It is always wonderful to see the pleased look on client's faces at the end of this journey. You may view my wesite www.jewelrybycustomdesign.com to see this proces illustrated. Thankyou, Janusz Goralski