When purchasing an engagement ring, most people don’t think about, or even realize, how the detailing on their ring was produced. Moreover, how the techniques used to create that detailing can affect the overall quality and appearance of the piece of jewelry.
At Knox Jewelers we handcraft every ring from the ground up in several stages, using traditional and modern applications. Most of our rings are cast blank with stone seats, engraving, milgrain and filigree all carved or created by hand. We do offer some rings with cast-in-place detailing, where detailing is including in the initial cast ring.
The fine art of hand engraving is the process of using a sharpened piece of steel, called a graver, to push through the surface of the metal and create intricate patterning. The high quality, detailed engraving is created by several cuts in the metal varying in length, width and depth. The result is very similar to an artist sketching with pen on paper. It takes a jeweler years of training to fully master these hand engraving techniques.
Hand crafted filigree curls are first formed by the jeweler and then test fit it into the filigree pocket. From here he will fine tune the fit and prepare to solder it to the ring. This is an extremely delicate process that ensures the best quality filigree. Milgrain edging is the beaded border that is featured on nearly all of our vintage inspired custom rings. The jeweler will hand apply this border to ensure the finest finish.
Modern technology and resin construction techniques have now allowed finishing details like engraved-like patterns, filigree and beaded edges to be embossed directly on rings in the casting stage of design.
The benefits of handcrafted detailing include the ability of modify design elements during the creation process. These elements will also be inherently stronger and finer in detail. Finishing by hand also enables you to create the ring in mix metals. Each ring being finished by hand will guarantee your finished piece will be a unique and one-of-a-kind.
The benefit of cast-in-place detailing is that it is less labor intensive and will therefore be more cost effective if you wish to redirect your investment into a larger center stone or a greater amount of side stones.
We offer both hand crafted and cast-in-place detailing to allow you the option that is best for you and your custom created ring. Contact Knox Jewelers today and let us help you create your perfect engagement ring!
