MORE ABOUT CUSTOM DESIGN


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"Thanks again for the help in designing a ring for John’s birthday. He was very surprised and really likes the ring. I know I’ve told you before, but we always appreciate the extra special care we get from your staff."
Rena - Troy, Ohio

A precious piece of jewelry is often one of the most treasured items passed down for generations. The setting may be worn or outdated, but the gemstones hold a special sentimental value. Remounting them into a new pendant, bracelet or ring will revitalize their brilliance and enhance their value.

With state-of-the-art technology, members of the Harris Jeweler custom design team will guide you through the exciting process of custom designing a new piece of jewelry especially suited for you! Our specialized computer software will allow you to see the various options right before your eyes. You can bring your ideas to us, and our talented craftsmen will transform your dreams into reality!

Using the lost wax method preferred by quality jewelers, our design team will create a life-size wax model for your preview. Only after you have given your full stamp of approval will we begin the detailed process of bringing the design to life.

At Harris Jeweler, we specialize in creating one-of-a-kind and hard-to-fit wedding bands. If your engagement ring did not come with a band, or if you would prefer a different style, our custom designers can create a unique look that is truly your own.

Years of jewelry experience will be poured into your custom design at Harris Jeweler. Our onsite jewelry design studio is staffed with trained and experienced jewelers using the finest tools and technology. Meticulous care is taken to ensure that your custom design is just the way you anticipate it to be.

We want your face to glow with excitement when you see your new custom designed jewelry creation. We want you to be proud to show off what you have designed with the help of the Harris design team. Come with your dreams in hand and live the Harris Jeweler Experience.

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Steps in Custom Design

  1. We visit with the client to get to know them and determine their jewelry tastes and desires.
  2. With the clients help, we make a few simple sketches to begin determining what direction to go in with the design.
  3. The design is further defined using the “Master Design System” to preview the exact custom design for approval. See Master Design System under Technology for further information.
  4. Our skilled craftsmen then hand carve a wax model to the exact proportions of the custom design.
  5. Next, the client meets with one of our design consultants for review and approval of the wax model. Necessary adjustments to the wax model are made so the client will receive a finished piece of custom jewelry that is exactly what they have in mind.
  6. The wax is prepared for casting by mixing a plaster substance and pouring it around the wax in a specially designed container that holds the wax in the center of the plaster.
  7. Once the plaster dries, it’s placed in a kiln and heated to 1350 degrees so the wax is completely melted out of the plaster.
  8. After the wax is melted out of the plaster, the pre-determined type of metal is prepared and melted anywhere from 1750 to 3500 degrees.
  9. When the metal is at the appropriate temperature, the plaster mold is removed from the kiln and placed in a machine that will help pull the molten metal into the cavity where the wax model once was.
  10. The metal is poured, or cast, totally filling the cavity in the plaster.
  11. When the plaster cools, it’s broken apart, exposing the custom piece of jewelry in a rough state.
  12. Using a series of files and emery papers, the casting is prepared to accept any diamonds or gemstones the customer has selected for his custom design.
  13. Diamonds and/or gemstones are placed in the design using a series of specially formed diamond setting tools.
  14. Now that all of the diamonds and/or gemstones are placed in the custom piece of jewelry, we use various cotton and felt wheels, prepared with a fine polishing abrasive to reveal a mirror finish on the metal's surface.
  15. After the polishing is complete, the custom jewelry item is put into an ultrasonic cleaning machine that gently removes the polishing compound. Once the polishing compound is removed, the jewelry is further cleaned and dried using high-pressure steam.
  16. The finished piece of custom designed jewelry goes through a series of quality control checks to ensure the client receives the best possible, hand-made, custom designed jewelry.

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