1. Designing the Jewelry
The process starts with designing the jewelry, often using CAD software for precision. Designers create blueprints or 3D models to plan out the final piece.
2. Choosing Sterling Silver
Sterling silver, a durable alloy, is selected as the base metal for the jewelry. It is often in sheet or wire form, depending on the design requirements.
3. Cutting and Shaping the Silver
The sterling silver is cut and shaped into the desired form using tools like hammers, pliers, or machines. The metal is melted and molded or manually shaped to create components.
4. Stone Selection and Preparation
Semi-precious stones are chosen based on color, clarity, and size. They are cut and polished to fit the specific design of the jewelry piece.
5. Setting the Stones
The stones are securely set into the sterling silver using techniques like prong or bezel settings. This process ensures the stones are held firmly in place.
6. Soldering and Joining Parts
If necessary, different parts of the jewelry are soldered together using a torch to fuse the components into a single piece.
7. Polishing and Finishing
The jewelry is polished to remove imperfections and enhance the shine. Final touches, such as applying patinas or additional finishes, are added.
8. Quality Control
Each piece undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure it meets quality standards, checking for defects or damage.