How is custom jewelry made?

Custom jewelry requires a higher level of craftsmanship than ordinary, pre-made jewelry pieces, since custom made items are modeled according to the exact specification of the client. Consequently, the process of designing and manufacturing custom jewelry is a long and complicated process, which involves the following steps:

1. First, set a budget. When designing custom jewelry one can get carried away with the endless array of design options and materials available. Before you even start your custom jewelry's design process, decide on how much you would be willing to spend. Factor in the materials (metals and gemstones) you would like your jewelry to be composed of, and the craftsmanship that would have to go into making your selected item.

2. Choose which materials you would like to have used in your custom made jewelry, what the design would look like and if you would like any special embellishments (such as engraved patterns or mounted gemstones) to be added to the item. Create a detailed sketch of what you would want the final product to look like.

3. Fine a reputable jeweler or jewelry designer, who has experience in dealing with custom jewelry to create your piece. Or, submit your sketch and detailed specifications to an online jewelry store which is equipped to manufacture the jewelry for you.

4. Make sure that you are well informed on how much the manufacturing of your custom made item will cost. Before submitting your designs for production, browse online websites for information regarding custom jewelry, its various attributes and its approximated values.
5. After you have submitted your design, your jeweler will carve out a wax model from which to cast your jewelry. He will then etch your selected design onto the wax's malleable surface. Next, specialized files and saws are used to cut away the access wax. The wax model is then weighed, and its weight is multiplied by a certain amount. The resulting figure is the approximate amount and weight of precious metal which the jeweler will have to use in order to create your jewelry piece.

6. After it has been weighed, the wax model is connected to a rubber base with the use of wax wires. The wax model is then engulfed by a white semi-liquid substance called an 'investment'. The investment is then left to harden on the wax model, creating a sort of cast.

7. The model which is covered in hardened investment is then placed in a burnout oven, and is left in there for 6 to 12 hours. During the burnout process, the wax model within the investment cast melts away leaving it hollow. When the emptied investment is removed from the oven, molten metal is poured into it. The metal is then left to cool and harden.

8. The metal is carefully removed from its cast. It is cleaned thoroughly, and any imperfections are gently filed and sanded off. The jeweler will then add embellishments or engravings (if the design calls for them).

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