How Custom Jewelry Manufacturing Works

We manufacture for jewelry stores within the United States that have a physical retail store front.
For more information, please read our FAQ before contacting us.
Most projects will have the same overall process that is outlined below. When additional services are requested (such as making rubber molds, engraving, enamel, etc), there are additional steps that may require some extra time. When we are making an item similar to an existing piece of jewelry, there may be fewer steps, for example, if not needing an initial estimate or renders for approval. Or if it is a Cast & Clip project, we do not set stones, assemble or finish those items.
Most jewelry manufacturing projects are completed within 10 to 14 business days (2-3 weeks), once CAD renders are approved.
Visit our photo gallery to see some of our past work

1) Determine Project Requirements & Design

If the project is for one of your jewelry store retail customers, we do recommend you get a deposit when starting a new custom project. This can help ensure the customer is committed to a custom project and will be involved with the process. We have a Custom Jewelry Agreement Example (doc) available to use as a starting template, that you may customize for your store.
When working on the project requirements, our Custom Jewelry Order Form (pdf) can be a useful tool/checklist for questions, when collecting the project details.
If you show a customer a ring in your case and they want something very similar, the more information & design details we have for an estimate and for CAD is helpful. It helps with knowing what the customer wants so we have good project requirements.
Example sketches/drawings, picture(s) from the internet, and/or sample item/photos are helpful for us to better estimate and create the custom jewelry wanted.

Based on the project requirements and any pictures or items we receive, we will create an initial estimate. This is done so you and your customer have an idea of the price.
You might decide to have your customer pay a deposit at this step, if the estimate is within their budget.
We do ask that such things as finger size or design requirements that could impact the estimate metal weight (ring shank dimensions wanted, overall pendant size, etc) or price are determined when collecting the requirements.
We do require the initial estimate be approved before we move forward.

Once the initial estimate (optional, but recommended) is approved, and we have received any customer-provided stones for the project, then we will do the CAD.
If we will be removing stones from a customer-provided mounting to use in the project, this should be in the project requirements. In such a case, we do remove the stones first, so we have accurate stone measurements when we do the CAD.

Screenshot of the CAD model and/or renders will be provided for you to show your customer and get approval.
If a sample 3D print is wanted once renders are reviewed, so the customer can see a 3D printed model and try it on, we can do that.
If any questions, concerns or changes needed with the design or requirements that require CAD revisions, this will be the time.
Once approved, we require an approved message be sent to us so we know we can proceed with manufacturing.

We do our own high-resolution 3D printing in castable wax-like materials.
We do use different materials for sample 3D prints that we can send to you for your customer to try on and approve before we make the item in metal.