HAND-MADE OR HAND-CRAFTED - What is the difference?
Crafting a hand-made item is a meticulous process, driven solely by the power of human hands. While tools like drills or lathes may aid the goldsmith, every movement is guided by the human touch. Typically, it's a solitary journey from start to finish, with one individual crafting the piece from melting the gold to its final beauty. Mastery in this art form takes years to cultivate, with around two decades of experience needed to be considered a master goldsmith.
On the other hand, hand-crafted products combine manual labour with machine assistance to expedite production. Various parts and gems are assembled by hand, often with the help of a team resembling a production line. Within this process is another production form called 'Lost-wax casting'. It is the process by which a duplicate sculpture is cast from an original sculpture. Multiple and intricate works can be achieved with this method.
Both approaches serve their purpose. Hand-crafted items offer speed and affordability, making them suitable for less complex or standardised pieces. In a competitive market, this method allows for the creation of items that are both quick to produce and competitively priced. However, for many of our offerings—especially those featuring raw stones and signature designs—hand-made craftsmanship is essential. The irregular shapes and organic nature of these gems require careful consideration and meticulous attention throughout the process. This is particularly true for our engagement rings and wedding bands, where every step is personally driven by our own goldsmith to ensure the utmost quality in these meaningful and symbolic heirloom treasures.
THE HANDMADE PROCESS - what takes so long?
We take the preparation of our gold seriously. Before we even begin crafting our pieces, we meticulously prepare the metal by melting it down into a thick bar and drawing it multiple times to create a pliable wire. Drawing involves a block of metal being pulled through a series of progressively smaller holes until it reaches the desired thickness.
We then make sure that the metal stays soft and workable by carefully annealing it after every few draws. It's a delicate process, but one that ensures we can shape the metal with precision and ease.
And we don't stop there. We're committed to producing only the highest quality pieces, which is why we inspect every millimeter of the metal for any signs of cracking or porosity. If we find any imperfections, we start the whole process again, from scratch! It's a painstaking approach, but patience is key. This is what allows us to create pieces that are flawless and built to last.
Now it's time to transform that pliable wire into something truly stunning. We take our trusty tools to shape that wire into individual settings - each one as unique and exquisite as the last. With different sizes and shapes at our disposal, the possibilities are endless.
Once we have created all the components needed for our vision we take it to the next level by assembling them into a magnificent piece. To bring them together, we use a variety of techniques such as soldering, welding, or bending them to interlock in perfect harmony. The final step is to polish to perfection.
THE RESULT
A refined, flawless and utterly mesmerising piece ready to be infused with your energy and become one of your most treasured, most meaningful, belongings. An unmistakable piece which symbolises what you love, who you love and a piece to be a poignant reminder of yourself as you pass it on to your loved ones.
Do you have your own idea in mind, or a treasured heirloom gathering dust? Have a look at our Custom Page to learn more about what we can do.
