How do we make custom jewelry? We can fabricate original pieces (assemble from components we make) or carve a wax model and cast in gold or platinum. Whether we are setting your stone(s) or you pick from our extensive collection of unmounted gems, we will make beautiful, custom jewelry just for you. Here is an example of the lost wax (cast) process:

For this ring, we used a 5.82ct. cushion-cut, rhodolite garnet and thirty-six (36) diamonds (.75ct. t.w.).
 
Whether from a photo, a piece of jewelry you already own, or even a drawing on a cocktail napkin, we start with a block of wax.
A model is carved to match your design for the stone(s) we will use.
The wax model is continually checked with the stone, during the carving process, to assure a precise fit.
The completed model is then cast, using the “lost wax” method. For our ring, we used fourteen karat (14kt.) white gold. After casting, the ring mounting is filed, sanded, and polished.
Now, we prepare the cast ring for stone setting. Holes are drilled for each diamond to be set. The diamonds for this ring will be bead set, where a “seat” for each stone is cut into the drilled hole and gold is raised from the sides, using a tool called a graver, to hold it. Each raised prong is called a bead.
When setting jewelry that combines diamonds with other gems, the diamonds are always set first. For this ring, the diamonds were set and, then, the center stone was seated and set.

At Lathrop’s Gems and Fine Jewelry, our showcases are full of varied examples of this process. We can do the same for you!

Please stop by to see the ring…Barbara wears it almost every day!