Frequently Asked Questions

I would like to use Specialty Casting as a manufacturer. How do I get started?
Before considering us, please keep in mind:
  • We do not offer our services or sell to the general public.
  • You must be an established business located in the United States with a valid US tax ID.
  • Only established jewelry stores within the United States that have a physical retail store front qualify.
  • Ship-forwarding, home addresses and non-physical address (such as a box at a UPS store) are not be accepted.
  • There may be services you are wanting that we do not do. Reading through the rest of our FAQ you may realize we are not a match for what you are looking for.

Please review our Services page and the rest of this FAQ.

Then complete our Request Account form. We may request photos of your retail jewelry storefront and additional documention if not listed or rated with the JBT (Jewelers Board of Trade). Then we will be in touch to discuss any project details/quotes, quantity and terms of production.
Customer copyrights, trademarks & confidentiality
  • It is the customer's responsibility to maintain copyright ownership.
  • Specialty Casting will not infringe on a customer's design copyrights
  • Specialty Casting will not knowingly rubber mold, 3D scan or cast designs that have copyright or trademarks other than those owned by the customer
  • If the customer obtains a model or 3D CAD model from a 3rd-party, or rubber molds a 3rd-party item and sends us a wax, model, or used a trademarked 3rd-party logo/image, the customer is responsible for obtaining permission/licensing from any 3rd-party to reproduce the copyright or trademarked item.
Can I send you an NDA (Non-disclosure agreement / confidentiality agreement / trade secret agreement)?
Specialty Casting will not disclose sensitive information or infringe on a customer's design copyrights or trademarks. If you feel it necessary for an authority of Specialty Casting, LLC to sign an NDA, our attorney may need to review the agreement first. The attorney may bill you for any legal fees that may incur for the review process.
I'm looking to get a custom ring made. I have a design and/or 3D file. Can I send it to you and you make it for me?

Specialty Casting manufactures for companies in the jewelry industry (business-to-business) and not directly to individuals. We also primarily manufacture for jewelry stores.

We are no longer accepting 3rd party CAD files to manufacture. Casting 3rd party CAD files resulted in a large number of poorly designed models having casting issues. Too many "CAD designers" expected us to provide them free consulting of what is wrong with their CAD, then 3D print and cast again and again. Since we are not in the business of jewelry CAD consulting and modifying & repairing CAD from others, we simply decided to no longer accept 3rd party CAD files.

I have designed a jewelry collection and looking for someone to manufacture the items. Will you do it?
Please review the other questions and answers on this page first before reaching out to us. There are some things we do not do, and reading through our FAQ and our Services page may help you realize we are not a match for what you are looking for in a jewelry manufacturer. Please don't submit a question to our Contact page, like "do you cast in brass?" ... well, you probably won't get an answer.
I own a jewelry store and would like to sell your products. How do I get started?
You must have a jewelry store located in the United States with a physical storefront. This excludes companies that are doing jewelry sales online only (no physical storefront showroom), individuals doing sales outside of a physical jewelry storefront (such as a home-based/home-studio business), and pawn shops. If you have a retail jewelry store, please apply for a wholesaler account by completing our Request Account form.
Does Specialty Casting design/manufacture/cast belt buckles?
No, we do not design or cast belt buckles.
Do you cast grillz (grills)?
No
Do you dropship?
No
Specialty Casting shipped my order, but I have not received it yet. How do a know where it is?
  1. Before reaching out to us, please track your order. All orders are shipped using a shipping method that will have a tracking number. The tracking number is on the invoice you received via email. Additional emails from the courier (USPS, FedEx, UPS) may have been sent.
  2. If you provided us a shipping label, the tracking number may not be on the emailed invoice. It is assumed you have the tracking number. The invoice is still emailed when the item is shipped.
  3. If you did not receive any emails with a tracking number, please check your spam folder first. Also, if we do not have an email address on file for you, or it has changed, please contact us and provide us an email address for billing and shipping purposes.
  4. All order are shipped with signature required. If the package was signed for and delivered, our responsibility stops at the signature. If you or an acting representative for your company did not sign for it, that is identity theft/mail fraud. Specialty Casting, LLC is not responsible for those lost items. Our insurance coverage ends once it's been signed for and delivered.
  5. If there has not been a delivery attempt, and it's been 1-2 days after the expected delivery date, please let us know. We do monitor the tracking of each package, but sometimes it may be a day or two later that we check the statuses.
  6. In the event of a package being lost, that was not delivered, we will evaluate filing an insurance claim and address remaking the items at that time.
Is there a minimum number of pieces per order?
There is no minimum number of pieces per order or minimum dollar amount per order of our products (our designs). If Specialty Casting is creating a custom metal die or rubber mold for your product, there may be a minimum initial order of 50 pieces. A 25% production deposit is required on your initial order.
Can I get a sample of my product before production of the minimal quantity?
Yes. If wanting a 3D printed or metal sample for approval, all CAD services, 3D printing, rubber mold, casting/finishing/setting/etc. completed up to the point the physical item is shipped will be invoiced.
What type of rubber molds are available?
We can make traditional rubber molds (with heat and pressure: higher shrinkage, ~6% shrinkage, but retains finer details) and RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) silicon molds (minimal shrinkage). We primarily use rubber mold products from Zero-D Products, Inc.
Can I send you rubber molds to cut?
No. This is not a service we offer.
Does Specialty Casting custom cut, re-cut or polish stones?
We have reputable resources that we use to have custom stones cut or re-cut/polished if chipped or scratched.
Can I send castable wax or 3D printed castable models to cast?
  • Waxes: Keep in mind that waxes can be very fragile. When packing for shipment, use plenty of soft impact-absorbent packing material around each individual piece, preventing them from moving. Pack them in small boxes within a larger box. Pack the larger box with packing material to reduce the risk of movement & breakage during shipping also.
  • 3D printed (castable material) models: We no longer accept 3rd party 3D printed models, even in a castable 3D printed material.

Please print, complete and include our Terms & Conditions - Ordering: Casting Contract Form and Terms & Agreement with the items you send.

Can I just use your 3D CAD services?
Yes. Each job is quoted separately. A non-refundable deposit may be required for first-time customers. Depending on the complexity of the project, the deposit can range from $50 to $300. Renderings of the 3D CAD are sent for approval prior to delivery of any CAD files or 3D model printed. Invoices for only CAD services must be paid prior to CAD files being available for download.
Are there discount rates for large quantities?
No.
What is your order cancellation, refund policy, return policy?
See our Terms & Conditions for details
I have an online store only (such as selling through eBay, Facebook, Etsy or a website), sell a few pieces every so often (like at a farmers market), just starting out, have a home studio, and/or do not have a physical store. Can I buy from you or have you manufacture pieces for me?

No. We have worked with many of these types of business in the past and found most hobby/weekend sellers and startups just are not a match for us. We also will no longer accept home studio/home-based businesses. You must have a physical jewelry retail storefront with proper business hours.

If you have products you would like us to manufacturer, please note that we do not manufacture for companies that only have an online presence or a startup. We manufacture for companies that are established jewelry stores with one or more physical store locations.

Can I send you a CAD file for you to 3D print, rubber mold, and/or cast in metal?

No. As of June 9, 2021, we are no longer accepting 3rd party CAD files. After much consideration, it was decided due to the time and money spent correcting CAD and/or providing consulting on design issues we know will be problematic to 3D print, rubber mold, cast, finish and even properly set, we would rather focus on manufacturing quality products that we stand by.

We are no longer accepting 3rd party CAD files to manufacture. Casting 3rd party CAD files resulted in a large number of poorly designed models having casting issues. Too many "CAD designers" expected us to provide them free consulting of what is wrong with their CAD, then 3D print and cast again and again. Since we are not in the business of jewelry CAD consulting and modifying & repairing CAD from others, we simply decided to no longer accept 3rd party CAD files.

What metals do you cast?
Sterling silver, white gold, rose gold and yellow gold. Gold we offer 10kt, 14kt, and 18kt. If wanting something cast in platinum, we currently outsource casting those items. Platinum jobs require an additional 7-14 business days.
What silver do you cast in? Do you cast in Continuum®, Sterlium Plus®, Argentium®, Sterilite™, ...?
We use United Precious Metal Refining, Inc. sterling silver #57 since it provides an ultra white color and is tarnish resistant. We have tried other silver casting grains and have always gone back to UnitedPMR for consistent, better finish and better looking results. All silver will eventually tarnish. This will tarnish at a slower rate than a standard sterling silver. So, we do not cast in other silvers and will not accept other silver metal if sent to us for casting.
Why did the price change overnight of an item I have in my online shopping cart?
We update our product prices based on a number of factors, including the cost of materials such as gold, silver, diamonds, gemstones, etc. When our pricing update is done (usually late at night), items in your shopping cart are recalculated and the price may be updated.
What metals do you NOT cast? Do you make items in brass, spring hard tempered sterling silver, sterling vermeil, gold-filled ... ?
We do not cast in copper, iron, nickel, tin, aluminum, brass, steel, bronze, pewter ... just to name a few ... and do not cast in base metals like brass or copper and plate that with gold or silver.
Can I send in old gold, silver or platinum to be used in casting of new jewelry?

To insure quality of our products, we prefer not to use old metal for casting new jewelry. This is because of the risk of impurities in the old metal that can cause pitting and other flaws in the casting.

We do accept old gold and platinum as credit towards an order. After all stones are removed from an old piece, the metal is tested to determine what karat gold or if platinum. The credit amount is based on the metal, weight, and current metal market value.

If you insist on sending us gold to cast (gold only):

  1. Old gold items must be gold jewelry, solid gold chain, gold coins or solid gold bars. Do not send: dental crowns, dental scrap metal or gold plated items.
  2. All gold being sent for casting must include a completed and signed Contract Casting Form and Terms & Agreement PDF
  3. We will cast a separate flask with your metal. There is a $50 flask fee for casting with your metal, plus the cast & clip fees.
  4. We will not mix your metal with our inventory metal, due to the risk of impurities.
  5. You must provide enough metal for the casting process. This usually requires 2-3 times the estimate metal weight of the piece(s) being cast.
  6. If there is not enough gold sent, the job will be set aside or rejected.
  7. We prefer to only cast & clip such jobs. We will not repair with the laser welder, fuse, solder, finish, set stones, etc. when casting your metal unless otherwise requested. Additional fees will apply for repairs and additional services.
  8. Any remaining metal will be returned.
Can I send in old silver to be used in casting new jewelry or as trade-in credit?
No.
Can I send you items just to finish?
No. We finish items we cast.
Can I send you mounting and stones from other vendors for you to set?

No. We prefer to set stones in pieces we manufacture.

Does Specialty Casting do casting with stones in place (cast-in-place setting)?

No.

Can I send you items for repair, or even ring sizing, that Specialty Casting did not manufacture?

We are primarily a jewelry manufacturer, not a jewelry repair shop. We limit the number and type of repair jobs we do. If you are an established customer of ours, we may accept some repairs, but the type of repairs we accept must be discussed prior to sending us any jobs.

Do not send us costume jewelry or invisible setting jobs as we do not repair such items.

What is your turnaround/delivery time for orders?
  • If you require an estimate for a project before we begin, it must be requested up front and approved before we move forward with your project.
  • Estimates are commonly provided within 1-2 business days, but at times may require longer if we are waiting for complete job requirements (or items to be received in the mail) from you that we need before we can provide an estimate.
  • If requirements for custom work are incomplete (i.e. unknown finger size), undecided (i.e. customer hasn't decided on stone sizes), or there are questions regarding the requirements sent, the job is placed on hold until the job requirements are received.
  • Rubber molding turnaround is within 5 business days. If we are casting a piece to use as a master for rubber molding, this time does not include casting. Casting a master model and master model cleanup can require an additional 10-15 business days. Additional pre/post-mold wax/model-preparation fees may be added.
  • 3D scanning is usually 1-3 business days once the item is received
  • CAD usually takes 2-6 business days. If you are providing stones, they must be provided before CAD begins. 3D renders of the CAD model are provided for approval (if required). Revisions are made prior to 3D printing. However, a 3D printed model can be sent for approval. Excessive revisions may cause delays and additional fees.
  • Custom wax ring imprint/carving takes 4-10 business days. If you are providing stones, they must be provided before wax carving begins.
  • 3D printing is usually 2-4 business days after the model or render is approved for manufacturing
  • Manufacturing (cast and clip only) for most gold and silver orders is completed within 5-10 business days. If wanting something cast in platinum, we currently outsource casting those items. Platinum jobs require an additional 7-14 business days.
  • Manufacturing (casting, polishing, assembly, stone setting, engraving) for most orders is completed within 10 to 20 business days (2-4 weeks). Larger items can have a 10 business day minimum, up to a 30 business day maximum turnaround. Platinum jobs require an additional 7-14 business days.
  • Items are shipped insured FedEx Overnight or 2-day. UPS or USPS available if requested. An additional shipping handling/drop-off/pickup fee may apply.
  • Larger quantity orders or larger items may require additional time.
  • If an order is needed faster than our regular turnaround time, we can expedite it. Such "rush jobs" are subject to additional fees, but are put in the front of the line.
NOTE: If job requirements are changed after the CAD is started or approved for manufacturing, such as change in finger size, wanting rubber mold done instead of 3D printing multiple copies to cast, addition of other services (such as engraving, special finishing instructions) that will add to the turnaround. Also, if we are waiting on stones or items from you, or a vendor you use, that are necessary for a job, that can add to the turnaround. If you promise your customer an item by a certain date deadline, please take all factors, including shipping (which can have delays at time), into consideration.
Can my order have a higher priority to be completed faster because I promised my customer product by a certain date?

Within reason. If you have a deadline date, it must be provided when the job/order is submitted to us. There may be an added rush job fee. Each customer is treated the same and orders are processed and manufactured based upon when we receive the order and job approval date (if necessary).

Recurring phone calls, text messages and/or emails requesting order updates, job requirement changes, and changes in deadline communicated may lead to your order being delayed, canceled or even account termination.

Tell me more about the "rush job" turnaround and rush job additional fees
  • If you have a deadline date, it must be provided when the job/order is submitted to us.
  • If a "rush job" is submitted after noon CST, the job starts the following business day.
  • If a quote is required up front, we will provide it on the first business day of the rush job. There is an additional $25 rush quote fee (to get in the front of the line). The quote must be approved before we continue.
  • If custom stones are being provided, stones must be provided before CAD begins.
  • Depending on design requirements and time requested, rush same day CAD up to within 2 days is available. If CAD renderings required for approval, we must be informed of approval before we continue.
  • Rush 3D printing is done in 1-2 days.
  • Rubber molding rush turnaround is 2-4 business days
  • Manufacturing:
    • Casting and finishing is 3-4 business days. Platinum casting not available for rush jobs.
    • Stone setting and any assembly is 1-3 business days.
    • Engraving is not available on rush jobs
  • CAD + 3D Print + Manufacturing rush turnaround: 6-11 business days. This does not include any time waiting on customer approval of estimates, and waiting on approval based on CAD renders.
  • If we have a mold of a piece already, just manufacturing rush turnaround: 3-4 business days
  • Items are shipped insured FedEx Overnight or 2-day. UPS or USPS Priority/Priority Express is available upon request.
Rush job fees
  • Rush fees below do not include shipping charges.
  • Rush quote: $25
Order subtotal Rush Fee
less than $300 $30
$300-$499 $50
$500-$999 $100
$1,000-$1,999 $150
$2,000-$3,999 $200
$4,000 and above $250
Do you gold plate or rhodium plate silver?
Minimum order for gold plated silver is 50 pieces. Cost and turnaround on gold plated silver is quoted per job.
Do you rhodium plate white gold?
We rhodium plate small quantity of white gold pieces in-house.
Can I send old stones to set in a new piece?

For custom projects, sending us customer stones is common. We do require that the stones be sent prior to us doing any CAD that the stones will be used in. And yes, we will remove stones from an existing mounting to use in a new project. Certain fees may apply.

Please read our Terms & Conditions - Ordering: sending your own stones for more information.

Can I send you customer stones or stones from another stone vendor?

Yes. There is customer stone fee added to the job stone setting. This fee covers a number of factors, including processing and storing stones from 3rd parties (your stone vendors or directly from you). If the stones are not the correct sizes or within the stone tolerance we require for a piece, this can cause additional work and delays on your project. This is particularly important if you send us a rubber mold/wax to cast and then we receive your stones later and the stones do not fit the physical object. In these cases (where it is not a piece we designed/created), the stones received are checked when the job is next to be set, and if they won't work in the mounting, this will delay your project. Also, if there is any stone breakage and we have to replace or have a stone re-cut, there is insurance and shipping to cover the loss. To simplify all that, there is a customer stone fee added, when the stones are not purchased from us.

We do recommend sending additional stones when supplying melee stones. If there is any breakage when setting, if extra stones are not available that match, it can delay completion.

Please read our Terms & Conditions - Ordering: sending your own stones for more information.

Can I send you stones to set in a piece you are making?

Yes. There will usually be a customer stone fee added to the stone setting cost. We recommend sending additional stones when supplying melee stones. If there is any breakage when setting, if extra stones are not available, it can delay completion.

Please read our Terms & Conditions - Ordering: sending your own stones for more information.

What stones do you offer?

Genuine, lab created and even simulated. These will include:
amethyst, aquamarine, cameo, citrine, created alexandrite, created emerald, created ruby, created sapphire, cubic zirconia, diamond, emerald, garnet, green tourmaline, iolite, london blue topaz, moissanite, onyx, opal, pearl, peridot, pink topaz, pink tourmaline, rhodolite garnet, ruby, sapphire, swiss blue topaz, tanzanite.

Let us know if there are specific gemstones or cuts you are wanting. We don't cut or re-cut existing stones, but have the resources to have it done.

We work with specific diamond and gemstone suppliers and require a certain level of consistent quality.

Why do you only offer certain clarity/color of diamonds?
For simplicity and a level of quality we stand by. Lab grown diamond are usually VS-SI G-I color. For melee (smaller diamonds), we go with I1-SI2 G-H color (sometimes referred to as I1+). Larger diamonds we recommend (slightly included) SI1 G-H color. But, if wanting even better we do offer VS F color. Certain options may only be available based on stone shape, cut, size and availability.
If I have Specialty Casting do custom die work for me who owns the copyright?
Specialty Casting would be considered a co-author of the item because of the die creation process. We will sign over copy rights.
Does Specialty Casting charge extra for white gold?
We do charge for rhodium plating white gold.
Any details on 3D scanning service?
  • We 3D scan an existing ring to then CAD a matching shadow band or ring guard, and also to use in recreating an item.
  • 3D scanning is also ideal for large gemstones or unusual shaped pearls to use in a CAD design.
  • The maximum object size would be around the size of a shoe box.
  • Small objects scan accuracy ~0.01mm
  • Larger objects scan accuracy 0.1-0.3mm
  • Shiny, semi-transparent and transparent objects are coated with a white 3D scanner spray/powder that rinses off with water.
  • If just wanting us to 3D scan an item and you want the file, the output format will be an STL or OBJ file