Even while the term “art jewellers” or “modern jewellers” is often used to describe jewellery that is not wearable, the vast majority of it may be classified as “ornament for the body,” usually produced from high-value materials like precious metals and diamonds.
Traditional jewellery-making can be compared to micro-engineering in that it necessitates the creation of metal things with extreme precision. Aside from the precious metals, jewellery can be made of pewter or steel, but it is most commonly made of precious metals such as silver and gold. As such, you can connect these metal objects to produce chains or set stones in enameled or polished jewellery pieces. In the highest grade of jewellery, numerous techniques may be utilized at once. Various styles are employed to create such works, from the super-duper cutting of steel. Via soldering into the lost-wax molds or, in more recent times, 3D techniques such as beam and digital, including laser-cutting, had also begun to play a role in Jewellery Manufacturing, a position set to broaden as these techniques grow increasingly accessible.
The following are the most common methods:
An experienced designer who knows the potential and pitfalls of various jewellery materials and how jewellery interacts with our bodies.
Metal Shaping and Cutting
You can later slice metal into tiny pieces to make jewellery. A piercing saw may be used, although laser-cutting is also an alternative. Metal can be shaped by hammering, bending, elevating over a stake, lowering, die-forming, or other methods.
Soldering
Heat is used for welding metal pieces together. There are several ways to accomplish this, but the most common would be to use a gas torch. The use of laser cutting and TIG welding in jewellery manufacturing workshops is rising.
Casting
Filling the molds with molten metal after creating wax models. This highly specialized and complicated procedure enables the quick creation of large units or the manufacture of unique units that would not otherwise be feasible. Wax can be carved manually or digitally milled, whereas many jewellery cast their work; many prefer the services of professional casting businesses. When making wax sculptures, Carol Docherty has an impressive track record. Carradale Foundry is an Argyll-based casting company that specializes in jewellery materials.
Stone-Setting
This is a vocation that, historically, would have been distinct from “jeweller,” but one that jewellers are increasingly learning to do on their own. This is the process of attaching gemstones to the final jewellery pieces. Many jewellers use external stone-setters to set up large quantities of gems or for more specialized settings. Stone setter Inness Thomson has a wealth of experience.
Enameling
Fused, colored glass is applied to the metal surface in different colors. The talent is so specialized that most jewellers would prefer to outsource it. A resurgence in popularity has occurred in recent years.
Polishing
The process of adding the final touches on already-completed jewellery pieces. Although there are still a few expert polishers in Birmingham and London, most jewellers today handle their polishing. This is practically the final stage of production.
Information and Communication Technologies
The most common of these procedures is the creation of wax models via digital means, which are then cast using the lost wax casting process. However, laser sintering of metal objects has not yet become commonplace because of the high costs for jewellers. Nonmetallic materials like wood, leather, and plastics are the primary focus of laser-cutting, used by several manufacturers.
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