Initial consultation and concept discussion
Objective: The goal of the initial
consultation is to understand the customer’s vision, preferences, and needs
• Customer’s Input: The customer shares their ideas, inspirations, and specific requirements.
• Budget & Timeline: A discussion about the budget and timeframe ensures that the design and materials align with the customer’s financial expectations and any deadlines (e.g., a wedding date).
• Jeweler’s Input: The jeweler provides guidance based on experience, helping refine the customer’s ideas into practical designs, suggesting materials, stone options, and styles that suit the wearer’s lifestyle
Creation of sketches or CAD designs
Transform the customer's ideas into a visual representation.
• CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Most modern custom jewelers use CAD software to create highly detailed and precise 3D models of the piece. CAD models allow the customer to view the design from every angle and may even offer real-time alterations.
• Refinement and Adjustments: After receiving feedback from the customer, the jeweler will make necessary adjustments to the design, ensuring it matches the client’s vision and any technical specifications.
Customer approval of the design
Ensure the customer is fully satisfied with the design before production begins.
• Design Review: The customer carefully reviews the sketches or CAD models. This is the last opportunity to make changes or adjustments to the design, such as resizing, altering stone placement, or adjusting proportions.
• Final Approval: Once the customer is confident that the design matches their vision, they give their official approval. This is often formalized with a signature or confirmation to move ahead with production.
• Cost and Timeline Review: At this point, the jeweler will reconfirm the final cost of production, material choices, and delivery timeline based on the approved design
Casting the metal and setting stones
Begin the actual production of the custom piece.
• Lost-Wax Casting Process: The wax model is coated in a mold, which hardens. The wax is then melted away, leaving a cavity for molten metal (gold, platinum, silver, etc.) to be poured, forming the final jewelry shape.
• Metalnishin Fig: Once cast, the rough metal piece is cleaned, polished, and prepared for stone setting. Any intricate details or engravings are refined by the jeweler.
•Gemstone Setting: The jeweler sets the chosen gemstones by hand. This requires precision, as the stones must be securely set into the design without damaging them. Popular setting styles include prong, bezel, or channel settings.
Final polish & inspection
Ensure the jewelry is flawless and meets the highest quality standards before presenting it to the customer.
• Polishing: The piece is meticulously polished to bring out the shine of the metal and enhance the appearance of the gemstones. Any rough edges are smoothed out, and fine details are perfected.
• Final Inspection: The jeweler conducts a thorough inspection to ensure there are no defects or imperfections. The gemstones are checked for secure settings, the metal is inspected for smooth finishes, and any engravings or details are examined.
• Customer Presentation: Once the piece passes quality checks, it is presented to the customer in a jewelry box or display. The customer inspects the final product to ensure it matches their expectations.
Final Delivery and Payment
Ensure the final piece is delivered to the customer while confirming full payment and acknowledging the terms of the custom order.
• Final Payment: The remaining balance is due at the time of delivery. The jewelry piece cannot be released until full payment is received.
• Delivery Of The Picee: Once the payment is confirmed, the completed jewelry is handed over to the customer in a secure jewelry box or display.
• Final Confirmation: The customer reviews the final piece to ensure it matches the approved design, including metal finish, gemstone settings, and engravings.
• All Sales Final: Since custom jewelry is made to the customer's specifications, all sales are final, and no returns or exchanges are permitted.