How We Build Your Ring

Every beautiful piece of diamond jewellery sold via our website is handmade by master craftsmen and highly skilled goldsmiths. Located in the prestigious village of Hale, Cheshire, our leading edge, in-house design and production studio boasts exceptional facilities to ensure that each piece of diamond jewellery is flawlessly finished.

Although we possess the most sophisticated and technologically advanced equipment, the jewellery making process beings with the ancient casting process Please follow our step-by-step guide to explore the fascinating method that culminates in the production of a beautifully fashioned diamond ring.

Stage 1: Creation of the Wax Model

Every diamond ring made by Steven Stone starts its life as a wax, which is then used to create a mould. The wax is created by injecting molten wax into a rubber mould. It is essential that the correct pressures are applied and it is timed accurately to ensure that optimal results are achieved.

The waxes are checked to ensure that they are free from defects and flaws such as air bubbles, distinct join lines, irregularities of surface colour, finish and flashing. Great care is required during this process to ensure perfect waxes are produced.

Wax is used primarily because it retains its shape during the moulding process, and therefore produces excellent results. Additionally, wax burns away cleanly and efficiently.

Stage 2: Placing the Wax on the Casting Tree and Investing the Flask

The next stage starts with the assessment of waxes by size and mass. This ensures that we select the most appropriate casting options. On a standard format tree, lighter weight rings will be placed toward the top, whilst heavier ones will be positioned lower down the tree.

When all rings have been correctly placed, a can, or flask, is place over the tree. The investment solution we use is similar to Plaster of Paris. This solution is poured in the can and left for 3 hours to set.

Stage 3: Casting the Model

Once the investment solution has set, the can is placed in a furnace overnight. During this time, the wax burns out, creating a reverse mould. The can is then removed from the furnace.

The casting of gold and silver alloys takes place in a vacuum pressure casting machine. The metal is melted in a graphite crucible that is heated to the correct temperature using an induction coil. When the correct temperature is reached, the skilled operator will instigate the casting process.

Firstly, the casting chamber is flushed with helium. This ensures that the any foreign gases are removed. Then a vacuum is applied to the lower chamber, the stopper is lifted in the upper chamber, allowing metal to flow into the mould through the process of gravity. This sequence of events is determined by preset programmes to ensure that each stage is activated at the exact time to achieve perfect results. The vacuum is then released and the chamber opens. When the cast tin is removed it is immersed in water to reveal the cast tree.

Stage 4: Removing the Ring from the Casting Tree and Hallmarking

Once the metal has set, the ring is cut off the tree. The ring will then be sent to either the Birmingham or Scotland assay office to receive its hallmark. To find out more, please visit our dedicated Hallmarking information page

Stage 5: Cleaning up the Casting

Once the ring has received its hallmark and has been returned from the assay office, metal tabs will be removed and the ring will be hand trimmed and filed.

Stage 6: Sizing, Setting and Polishing the Ring

It is at this stage that our expert team of skilled jewellers will select the diamond determined by the client's order. Every diamond is rigorously checked for continuity of cut, carat, clarity and colour. All diamonds are quality checked several times before they are set into the ring.

Once the appropriate diamond is selected, the jeweller will set the ring. The facets of the diamond are expertly filed to ensure that the diamond will sit perfectly in its setting. The stone or stones are set and a hand drill is used if necessary to ensure it is perfectly set to maximise the beauty of the ring.

When the diamond is set, the ring will be buffed and polished to achieve a brilliant shine and sparkle.

Stage 7: Quality Control

The completed ring then goes to our Quality Control department where it is checked and examined for flaws, marks and scratches. It is only when this, last but vital, stage has been completed that a diamond ring will be released to the client.