1.

Designing a 3D Jewelry Model

After the initial idea and/or sketch is developed, it’s time to start work on the digital

model. Using CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, the 3d designer will make a digital

render of your jewelry. Depending on the complexity of the project and how busy the

studio or artist is, this can take anywhere from a day to a week. 

While this step is great for you to see your jewelry before committing to full production,

keep in mind the 3d model is made for functionality first, not aesthetics, so it might not

look as pretty as your finished piece! That being said, you can always request a more

detailed render.
 2. 3D Wax Printing Your Jewelry
That 3d model from the last step wasn’t only for you to see a sample ahead of time; it

also serves as the basis for the next step, the wax model. In most modern jewelry

production, the manufacturer uses a 3d printing machine to print a wax model made out

of resin, which usually doesn’t take more than 48 hours. 

3. Casting the Wax Model into Metal

In the next step, the jewelry goes through the casting process.. At this stage, your piece

starts looking more like the jewelry you might see in a store. The wax is melted away

and is replaced with your metal of choice in molten form, usually gold, silver, or

platinum. The metal then dries into the shape on your jewelry. This technique is

called “lost wax” casting.

4. Basic
Jewelry
Assembly
After your jewelry passes through the design and casting stage, the final fabrication can

take anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. At this point the jeweler refines the main

structure of your ring, necklace or other piece. The jeweler files down the casting skin to

reveal the metal underneath. Although casting transformed the jewelry into fine metal,

the jeweler needs to make any aesthetic adjustments, as well as make sure the piece

can functionally support gemstones.

After the mount is completed, the jewelry is ready for stone setting. If the piece requires

enameling work or additional design, this would take place before setting.

5. The Stone Setting Process

For this step, the diamond setter finally adds the diamonds or other gemstones onto

your piece. He carefully sets the central stone into the mount. If side stones are

involved, the setter needs to hand drill for these before setting. Using a microscope,

they then set each separate stone.

6. Polishing, Finishing, and Quality

Assurance
In the final stage, a polisher works to make sure the metal is polished to perfection so

it’s as shiny as possible. Any final additions such as engravings are also applied.

Finally, the jewelry is inspected and each detail is analyzed to make sure production

was successful.