1. Determine customer needs
The starting point of the design process is an in-depth conversation between the designer and the client to understand their preferences, styles, budgets and special needs.
2. Preliminary design concept
Designers draw preliminary design sketches by hand according to their own creative ideas and customer needs. These sketches may include the overall shape, style, elements, etc., of the jewelry.
3. Computer mapping and refinement
Use CAD(Computer Aided Design) software or other professional jewelry design software to convert hand-drawn sketches into accurate computer drawings. The designer will constantly refine and adjust the design at this stage, including size, proportion, details, etc., to ensure the perfect presentation of the design.
4. Material preparation and measurement
For custom jewelry, designers need to make precise measurements of gemstones or other materials to obtain size, faceted distribution, and 3D structure data. These data will be used in the subsequent CAD design and production process.
5. CAD starting design
Using CAD software, designers will carry out design operations such as stone positioning and virtual assembly to generate the final 3D model. The design of this stage will directly affect the subsequent production process and finished product effect.
6. Make wax plates
The 3D model completed by CAD design is output to the 3D printer, and the wax version is printed quickly and accurately. Wax plate is an important mold in the subsequent casting process.
7. Cast
Castings are made using the lost wax casting process (also known as precision casting). This process includes preparing the plaster mold, baking the plaster mold with heat, “planting” the wax plate on the wax tree for one-time casting, casting the metal liquid and other steps. After the casting is completed, the plaster mold needs to be blasted and cleaned out of the casting.
8. Mold handling and polishing
The casting is modified, the defects are repaired, the surface is polished and other operations to make it more smooth and flat. This process may need to be repeated several times to achieve the best results.
9. Mosaic
Attach gemstones or other decorative elements to the opening of the casting. This is a very important and delicate process that requires a high degree of skill and patience.
10. Polishing and plating
Polish the finished jewelry to ensure that the metal surface is as bright as a mirror. Then, electroplating is applied as needed to protect the metal surface and enhance the appearance.
11. Quality inspection and finished product delivery
Complete quality inspection of finished products, including appearance, structure, surface, etc. After ensuring that every detail meets the design requirements and quality standards, the finished product is delivered to the customer.
The entire jewelry design process requires the close cooperation and joint efforts of designers, craftsmen and quality control personnel to ensure the perfect presentation of the final product. At the same time, with the continuous progress of science and technology and the constant change of consumer demand, the jewelry design process is also constantly optimized and innovative.
