Custom Signet Rings - Production Methods?

For those of you who have made custom signet rings for customers, a few questions;

  1. What methods do you use (hand carved, CAD, etc)?

  2. What materials have you used?

  3. What have you learned or discovered about the process?

  4. What/how do you charge the customer?

Thanks!

Sandy
Iā€™ve used ONLY a Cad program for anything similiar to what youā€™re
making. Cad is so much easier and faster, hence less expensive, too boot!
Iā€™ve used 18kt, 14kt and even many in silver. The results are spectacular
in any metal you choose. For your pricing, Iā€™d allow the full Cad fees. BUT
build them up in your final pricing Iā€™d even put in an additional 50% for
any unforeseen costsā€¦donā€™t cut yourself shortā€¦Let the client know ahead
of time you are making ā€œone of a kindā€ designā€¦:>)
BTW, have the CAD person give you the ā€œSTLā€ working, cad-file, this
belongs to YOU!!! Another thing to know, will they actually build the
wax-item for you and cast it? Build these fees into your pricing as
well!!!..wish you tunz of happiness, youā€™ll be so happy you decided to use
ā€˜Cadā€™.

Gerry Lewy

www.gemsettingtutor.com http://www.gemsettingtutor.com

Sandy- We still do it old school in what ever metal the customer wants. I
can whip out a signet ring blank in wax in 30- 45 minutes.
Tim can hand engrave the crest or initials in another hour.
In our shop any custom piece is a minimum of $750.00 for the labor only.
Metals are our cost keystoned. The labor is the same price whether or not
itā€™s gold, platinum or silver.
Have fun and make lots of jewelry.
-Jo Haemer
www.timothywgreen.com

1 Like

Hi @jo_haemer! Will you hand carve even very complicated crest designs like this, also in an hour or so?