More than once, C3 Designs Has Been Awarded The Best Jewelry Design Store In Milwaukee. Owner, Chris Jensen Is A Nationally Award Winning Jewelry Designer. He Has Been In The Jewelry Business For Over Twenty-Five Years And Specializes In Creating One Of A Kind Jewelry Designs.
Step 1 : Stone Selection
At C3 Designs, we hand select all the gemstones that we use for our jewelry designs. We work with various gemstone dealers and stone cutters from around the world. Gems of the finest quality and those with rare or unique attributes allow the most creativity when it comes to designing our singular creations.
Step 2 : Sketches
Once stones are selected, sketches are rendered in full color to actual scale. Whether we are designing a piece with our gemstones or using gems provided by a client, it allows a visual representation of what the finished piece should look like.
Step 3 : Wax Model
Upon approval of a design sketch, the next step is to render the design in wax. This allows the client to view the design as a three-dimensional object. The wax is fashioned with gemstones temporarily set into the wax model to showcase the final look. Alterations can still be made at this point before the wax is used to cast the jewelry piece.
Step 4 : Casting
For every cast piece of jewelry, a wax model first needs to be prepared. The wax model is embedded into a plaster mold and the wax is burnt out in a kiln. This creates a hollow impression in which to pour molten metal. After casting, the jewelry item is broken out of the plaster and cleaned. Each mold can only be used one time. Every single piece created has to go through this entire molding and casting process.
Step 5 : Assembly
In addition to cast elements, various jewelry parts have to be fabricated using sheet metal, strips and metal wire. These pieces are formed and soldered together to create bezels, bails, clasps, chains and earwires. All these various parts are joined together to create the final pieces of jewelry.
Step 6 : Set Stones
The most delicate part of jewelry creation is stone setting. Each gemstone mounting has to be precise to allow a proper fit and position of each gem. Whether crafting a bezel or prong setting, each seat has to be hand adjusted to allow the stone to sit correctly. The prongs or bezel walls are tightened and hammered into place and then trimmed to desired shape.
Step 7 : Polish to Perfection
After each jewelry piece is created and stones are all set, final finish is decided upon. While most items receive a highly polished finish, we are also able to provide different surface enrichments such as a sandblasted or faux hammered texture. The end result is an object to be treasured for a lifetime.
