Our Craftsmanship:
How we create your Bespoke Piece
At Durham Rose, we love bringing your ideas to life, creating jewellery that’s as unique as you are. From sketching the first design to carefully choosing the finest materials and handcrafting every detail, we pour our heart and skill into every piece we make. By blending timeless techniques with modern technology, we ensure each ring is truly perfect. Come take a peek behind the scenes and see how much passion and care go into crafting a bespoke ring you’ll treasure forever.
Wax Model-3D Printing
Once your 3D CAD model is approved, we move to the 3D printing stage. Using state-of-the-art 3D printers, we produce a wax or resin prototype of the ring, ready to begin the manufacturing process. At this stage, we offer our clients the option to order a wax model for personal review before proceeding with production. This ensures you are fully satisfied with the design and provides a tangible representation, allowing for final review and any necessary adjustments before casting.
Lost Wax Casting
Lost wax casting, or investment casting, is a traditional method for creating intricate jewellery. The wax model is attached to sprues, forming a “tree” that holds multiple designs. This tree is placed in a flask and surrounded by a liquid investment material. Once hardened, the flask is heated to remove the wax, leaving a hollow mould. Molten metal, such as gold or platinum, is poured into the mould, solidifying into the shape of the original designs. After cooling, the mould is broken away, and the cast pieces are separated and cleaned, ready for the next stage.
Filing and Polishing
Filing is a critical step in jewellery craftsmanship, where we refine the intricate details of each piece by smoothing edges and contours. This process is essential for preparing the jewellery’s surface for its final polish, ensuring that every aspect of your ring, necklace, or bracelet aligns precisely with your vision and meets our rigorous standards of quality. Finally, the cast pieces undergo various finishing processes, including polishing to achieve a smooth and shiny surface. Skilled artisans perform additional detailing, such as stone setting, engraving, or applying texture. Each piece is inspected for quality and accuracy to ensure it meets the desired specifications and standards.
Setting
Once the jewellery is cleaned and polished, the stones are carefully set in place. Whether it’s a claw, bezel, pavé, channel, or flush setting, each stone is positioned with expert precision using specialised tools. Claws are gently folded over the edges, bezels are shaped to cradle the stones, and pavé settings involve the intricate arrangement of tiny stones in a seamless pattern. Every step is meticulously checked to ensure the stones are secure, perfectly aligned, and evenly spaced. Finally, the piece is polished and refined, bringing out the brilliance of the stones and creating a flawless finish.
Quality Control
At Durham Rose, our commitment to quality is evident in our rigorous inspection process conducted once each design is completed. We meticulously assess every piece to detect imperfections, ensuring the accuracy of the design, the quality of materials, and the precision of craftsmanship meet our exacting standards. Our skilled team are dedicated to achieving perfection, making precise adjustments as necessary to ensure that every detail surpasses expectations. This dedication to excellence is central to our brand, ensuring that each piece embodies the craftsmanship and precision that defines our brand.
Your Personalised Consultation
Connect with us via Zoom
Enjoy your consultation from the comfort of your home or work, using just a laptop or tablet and a stable internet connection. You’ll receive a Zoom link ahead of your appointment, ready to join at your scheduled time. During your session, your designer will share ideas visually using 3D modelling software to help explore and develop your concept together. This allows us to discuss proportions, styles, and design direction, helping to shape your vision with confidence before moving into the next stages of design.
Meet your designer in-house
We offer exclusive, appointment-only consultations for clients who wish to meet us in person. At our creative studio, your dedicated designer will use advanced 3D modelling software to explore and develop your ideas with precision and care. To ensure you get the most from your visit, we recommend booking in advance so we can prepare your consultation and have a designer ready to guide you through each stage of your design journey.
Tony Rodd
Position
From start to finish, Durham Rose and our designer Melissa were fantastic. Melissa was really helpful, explaining the process, giving me an idea of budget and discussing all options with me. The design process was intuitive and the input from Melissa ensured the ring came out as I had envisaged. It was great to be able to see...
Carl Fryer
Position
Fantastic - Durham Rose made everything about this nerve racking process a delight. The one to one nature of their ring design and build is amazing and well worth the money. Melissa in particular was super patient after changing my mind more than once so couldn't thank them enough. Couldn't recommend them more...
Amelia Parker
Position
Me and my partner got our engagement ring designed by Melissa after my parents also having 4 rings designed by durham rose and I cannot recommend them enough, they have been absolutely perfect and made the process so easy, stress free and exciting! Communication was amazing and I was updated through each and every little step.
Adam Newman
Position
Durham Rose was by far the best company I contacted when starting the process of making a custom ring. The initial stages were thorough and efficient, and the video call at the start of the process was brilliant. Where other companies would draw sketches which is a good start, it wasn’t as helpful or visually accurate...
Jack Butler
Position
Phenomenal experience from start to finish! I was fortunate enough to work with Mel at Durham Rose to build a bespoke Engagement ring for wonderful girlfriend (and soon fiancé to be!!) Mel was so lovely, so knowledgeable, patient and helpful and went out of her way to make sure the ring was perfect and exactly as I wanted it to be...
Knowledge Hub
Discover everything about your bespoke jewellery in our knowledge hub. From gemstones to materials, costs, and the latest trends, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for an engagement ring, wedding band, eternity band, or a special piece for any occasion, we're here to simplify your search.