Manufacturing Information
We offer a unique and interesting collection of antique, Victorian, Art Deco & Art Nouveau jewelry lines in the market today by several manufacturer's. The designs are not mass merchandised nor will they be found being hawked by the hundreds on QVC, HSN and mass merchandisers. Our most popular line's are made right here in the United States by craftsmen who have preserved 100 to 150 year old engraved dies or reproduced original antique jewelry. We do this to offer the widest range of selections which sell at the lowest prices. Another added benefit to our 'made to order' items when you pick your metal and stone preferences, is that your purchase is not considered a non returnable custom order. Many sellers consider all items manufactured to your preferences that is not in stock as a special order. Our 'made to order' jewelry is returnable according to our standard refund policy guidelines (except where noted as a non returnable or special order under certain certain options in the item listing).
Manufacturing Processes
Die Striking
This is the method which results in much higher density and durability than cast manufactured jewelry made in low pressure molds. After alloying, the parts are formed by using metal dies applying 50 tons of pressure repeatedly to the ingot as it is formed into an item that will have a high luster and high density. Jewelry manufactured in this method is durable, has no porosity and holds a higher luster which is desirable for engagement rings. However die struck jewelry comes with a price tag and can cost 2 to 3 times higher than the cast version. If it's important to you to purchase a die struck item such as engagement ring and band, please ask before purchasing and we will inform you of the method of manufacture.
Lost Wax Casting
This is the most cost effective but a very complex process. All cast jewelry settings are sold in a semi finished are trimmed, filed and tumble polished. The final finish work will need to be completed by the stone setting jeweler. Settings that we size, set stones in or are selling as a finished piece will be hand finished by our goldsmith. Hand finishing includes filing, final buffing & polishing of the exterior. Mold lines or seams may be noticeable upon close inspection to the unaided eye or under magnification and porosity, minute pits in the metal, may also be found under magnification. These are not considered defects but are a result of the lost wax casting process. We do inspect for porosity and reject items with eye visible pitting or areas of porosity that will affect the safety & structure of your ring. The symmetry of the filigree designs and embossed patterns may not be perfectly even or symmetrical along the filigree work and impressions on shank sides. This is the intended charm of this line. Many of the designs are reproduced from the original works of 100 to 150 year old hand carved steel dies and roller wheels which may have dings, tool markings and variations in the engraved art work. We also have copies of authentic antique items that had signs of wear, which have been transferred onto the reproduction. The point of these pieces is to capture them for the works of art that they are with their original details, to appreciate and preserve a part of history. If you are looking for perfection in all detailing with crisp sharp details it is suggested you purchase either CAD generated or die struck manufactured items. The CAD designs or die stuck items will have the precision, symmetry and perfection expected from the machine and computer generated products of modern times.
Finishing Processes
Gold items
When ordering wedding sets, ring guards or stacking rings that are not sold specifically as a set it should be noted that metal color may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, finishing processes used, alloy mixtures and casting techniques. If you receive your item and the color tone does not match there are a number of solutions to help achieve a closer or exact match. Each metal has it's own set of solutions in which you may discuss your particular purchase with us and we can make suggestions what steps can be taken. This might be resolved by simply having the existing ring professionally buffed to remove surface oxidation and scratches to restore the metal to new again, to the final solution if all else fails of plating white gold items with rhodium plating.
For example, gold will vary in color tone based on the alloy compostition used as well it can oxidize and darken over time. To help your existing gold ring match closer to your newly purchased one, take it to your local jeweler to be professionally polished or buffed. The buffing compound strips the outer surface off to remove oxidation, scratches and all signs of wear restoring the metal to it's newly manufactured appearance. If the metal tones are still not matching both rings can be plated at the same time.
Sterling Silver Items
Sterling silver settings depending on the maker will vary from having an antiqued surface to a polished surface. If you have a finish preference on any made to order items and it is not noted as an option, you may still specify to have the item antiqued, high polished, satin or antiqued satin finish. The good thing about sterling is the look of the metal is easily changed chemically but it will tarnish on it's own over time naturally. For lightening a darker finish it can be polished with a buffing compound to be lightened or soaked in a pickle solution to strip all oxidation.
Most of the sterling silver in our filigree lines are not rhodium plated (unless otherwise noted in the item description) as it the intention of the antique reproductions to look antique and have an aged patina that adds dimension to the intricate designs. Sterling silver is meant to tarnish, that is the nature and beauty of the metal.
