Manufacturing
Manufacturing Process
Discover all you need to know about diamonds, coloured gem stones, precious metals, setting styles for different gem stones, diamond shapes and how jewellery is manufactured at Steven Stone
Development Of Cad
Steven Stone uses the latest 3-D CAD programs to design bespoke and custom jewellery pieces and engagement rings. When our designers develop the computerised bespoke model, digitally rendered images are sent to the customer for approval. This gives a very close visual representation of what the finished item will look like and gives the opportunity for any adjustments to be made.
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3d Wax Printing
We have two methods of creating a wax model when making a casing mould. If your item is a unique piece it will be designed using the above process and then 3-D printed in wax. Our 3-D printers have been designed and built by our own engineers specifically for this task and print wax to the nearest 10 microns (1/100 of a mm), ensuring the best production quality for your bespoke diamond engagement ring. At Steven Stone we can print all types of bespoke jewellery, including engagement rings, wedding rings, pendants, cuff links, earrings or charms.
The Casting Tree
The next stage of creating bespoke engagement rings and jewellery starts with the size and mass assessment of waxes. This ensures we select the most appropriate casting options for your piece. The wax models are placed on a tree-like arrangement. On a standard format tree, lighter rings will be placed towards the top, whilst heavier ones will be positioned lower down. A can known as a casting flask is placed over the tree and sealed with wax at the bottom, once all rings have been correctly placed. The investment solution we use has an ultra smooth consistency, similar to that of Plaster of Paris. This solution is poured into the flask and left for 3 hours to set.
Cleaning And Hallmarking
After the metal has cooled, the rings are removed from the tree and cleaned for hallmarking. Hallmarking is done independently at either London, Birmingham or Edinburgh Assay offices. The UK is one of the only countries where hallmarking is a compulsory statutory requirement. The process involves assaying the metal by X-Ray to ensure the metal is the stated quality and then hallmarking the item appropriately. If the piece is particularly small or cannot be stamped, the assay office my laser engrave the hallmark.
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Sizing, Setting And Polishing
At this stage our expert team of skilled jewellers will set the diamond determined by the client’s order. All diamonds are quality checked several times before they are set into the bespoke engagement ring or diamond jewellery. Once the appropriate diamond is supplied and checked, the jeweller sets the stone. The claws of the setting are expertly filed to ensure the diamond sits securely. Once the diamond is set, the ring is buffed and polished to achieve a brilliant shine and sparkle.
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Quality Control
Although we carry out constant quality control, our final inspections ensure the piece is in perfect condition before dispatched to the customer. Engagement rings, earrings, pendants and bangles are all rigorously inspected with a loupe. If the piece is diamond set, the integrity and strength of the setting is tested to ensure the stones are secure. Finally, we photograph the item using a high quality macro lense, to be absolutely sure there are no imperfections on your bespoke piece of jewellery. The photograph is also used on the valuation provided for every order over £1000.
Polishing
Cut Grading
Hearts and Arrows
Anatomy of the diamond