How Fine Jewelry Is Made: From CAD to Polish

Quick answer: Fine jewelry is usually made in six stages: design (sketch and CAD model), wax or resin printing (a 3D model of the piece), casting (molten gold or silver poured into a mold made from the model), filing and assembly (cleaning, soldering and shaping), stone setting (securing each stone by hand under magnification) and finishing (polishing, plating and quality checks). A handcrafted ring usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks from design to delivery.

Every ring you wear goes through many skilled hands. Here is how it is made.

The Jewelry Making Process

Stage	What happens	Why it matters
1. Design	Sketch and CAD (computer-aided design) model	Sets proportions, stone sizes and comfort
2. 3D printing	Wax or resin model printed from CAD	Allows a physical preview
3. Casting	Lost-wax casting in gold, platinum or silver	Creates the metal piece
4. Clean-up and assembly	Filing, soldering heads and shanks, sizing	Structure and fit
5. Stone setting	Prongs, bezels, pave or channels set by hand	Security and sparkle
6. Finishing	Polishing, rhodium plating, engraving, inspection	Final shine and quality

Lost-Wax Casting Explained

The wax or resin model is surrounded by plaster-like investment and heated. The model melts or burns away, leaving a hollow mold. Molten metal is poured or spun into the mold, cooled, and the investment is broken away to reveal the raw metal piece.

Shown: Floral Inspired Cluster Lab Diamond Engagement Ring

Stone Setting: The Most Skilled Step

Setters work under microscopes to raise, shape and tighten tiny beads or prongs over each stone. Pave and micro pave pieces can have dozens or hundreds of stones, each set individually.

Handmade vs Mass Produced

Handcrafted: more attention to detail, custom options, tighter settings.
Mass produced: lower cost, less personalization, variable quality.

How Long Does It Take?

Ready designs: often 1 to 2 weeks to make and ship.
Custom designs: usually 2 to 4 weeks after design approval.

Read how a custom engagement ring is made and our order process.

Handcrafted at Ivevar

Every Ivevar piece is designed, cast, set and polished in our own workshop in Surat, India, one of the world's great diamond centers. Every piece ships free worldwide and comes with 30-day easy returns. Meet our founder.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is lost-wax casting?

A method where a wax model is replaced by molten metal inside a mold.

Is CAD jewelry still handmade?

Yes. CAD designs the model; casting, setting and finishing are done by hand.

How long does it take to make a ring?

About 1 to 4 weeks depending on complexity.

Who sets the stones?

Skilled setters working under magnification.

Can I see my design before it is made?

Yes, custom orders usually include a CAD rendering for approval.

The Bottom Line

From CAD to casting to hand setting, fine jewelry takes skill and time. Knowing the process helps you appreciate quality craftsmanship.

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Author Bio

Aumsri Pradhan

Founder, Ivevar Luxury

Aumsri Pradhan is the founder of Ivevar Luxury, a Surat-based fine jewelry brand that designs and handcrafts lab grown diamond and moissanite jewelry in its own workshop. She leads the brand's design and customer experience, from engagement rings and bridal sets to custom pieces made to each client's story. Through the Ivevar blog, she shares practical guidance on lab grown diamonds, moissanite, diamond grading and ring design to help buyers choose with confidence.

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