Our sketch artist may further refine the design until what we have on paper meets with your approval. The next step transforms your unique design into three dimensions. Our wax artists add this dimension by creating a model of your design in wax. For a brand new design, the wax artist starts with a block of wax and painstakingly carves the new design, closely following the sketches made for you earlier. For an adaptation of a previously produced design, the wax artist uses a flexible rubber mold of the piece.
Melted wax is injected into the mold and cooled.
Then the wax artist modifies the wax model, including positioning any gemstones in the wax for a perfect fit. This step alone may take several days, as the precision and attention to detail is critical at this stage. The wax artist works closely with a goldsmith, conferring on gemstone placement and structural integrity of the piece. Once the wax model is complete, you may view it to make sure it truly is the design you've envisioned. Sometimes adjustments need to be made, and they are done most easily at this time.