Jewelry Making Guide

Jewelry is broadly defined as "adornment of the body"; it is an adornment that can be worn, and while this definition is often challenged and extended by what is commonly referred to as "art jeweler" or "contemporary jeweler", most jewelry can be described as a wearable ornament. 

The jewelry industry - consists mainly of micro-enterprises and small and medium enterprises, including some specialized large manufacturers. The market is divided into several sectors that largely correspond to the division of firm size: micro-enterprises may be involved in small-scale or individual production at low-to-medium value levels; SMEs are more likely to be involved in mid- to high - value Larger firms may be involved in the production of high-turnover, low-value jobs in tourism.

In terms of materials and craftsmanship, traditional jewelry production can be viewed as a form of micro-engineering that requires the production of metalwork with high precision. Most jewelry is made from precious metals - silver, gold, platinum, and palladium - but other materials, such as brass or steel, can also be used. These metal objects can then be joined together – for example, to make chains – or set with gems, enamels, or polished, and in the highest grades of jewelry, multiple techniques can be used simultaneously. To create these pieces, a range of techniques are used, from ultra-traditional metal cutting using saws to welding,

The main techniques used can be divided into the following categories:

Work with designers who understand the potential and pitfalls of specific jewelry materials and how jewelry relates to the body.

Metal is cut into elements or units, which are then formed into jewelry. Cutting is usually done with a piercing saw, but laser cutting may be an option. Forming is the forming of metal and can be done by hammering, bending, raising stakes, sinking, die forming, or any number of other processes.

Use heat to join metals. This can be done in a number of ways, but the most common is using some kind of gas torch. Jewelry studios are increasingly using laser welding and TIG welding.

A mold is made using a wax model, which is then filled with molten metal. This is a complex and specialized process that allows for the rapid production of multiple units or the production of units that otherwise might not be possible. Wax can be hand engraved by a professional wax carver or made by digital milling.

This job was historically separate from that of a "jeweler", but it is increasingly becoming a skill for jewelers to train themselves. This is the setting of gemstones into finished jewelry. There are still good gem setters around, and many jewelers prefer to use these external setters for the large or professional settings of gemstones.

This is the coloring of metals by applying molten colored glass on the surface. This is a highly specialized skill that most jewelers outsource to specialists. Its popularity has recovered somewhat in recent years. 

Finished jewelry finish. This is actually the final stage of production, although they used to be professional polishers - most jewelers now do the polishing themselves.

These can include many different processes, but the most common is to digitally produce wax models, which are then cast through a lost wax casting process. Laser sintering has been used to directly form metal objects, but this has not yet become mainstream due to the cost implications for jewelers. Some manufacturers already use laser cutting and water cutting, but the primary use for laser cutting is on non-metallic materials such as wood, leather, and plastic.

The above is a brief introduction to the jewelry-making process. If you want to buy fashion jewelry, please contact us.

HD Jewelry is a professional custom fashion jewelry manufacturer. We specialize in the production and export of fashion jewelry accessories. Our products sell well all over the country and are exported to other countries and regions, such as North America, South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East...