Most jewellers stock is cast these days. The gold is a little more porus, so not as dence or strong. This is OK though, if it is a ring you just have to make sure you choose a design which has plenty of thickness of band at the back, and strong settings holding the stones. For brooches, pendants it is not such a concern as they are not so subject to wear. Some castings are assembled from several pieces giving some individuality to the style.
Some jewellers offer 'one off' casting.
The piece is carved in wax and then cast, saving time and still resulting in a unique one off piece. This method allows great flexibility of design, however it is still a casting. We have worked this figure out by applying the mark up recommended by both the Jewellery Association of Australia and the National Council of Jewellery Valuers, to our wholesale figure. It is possible that when this figure is compared to actual diamonds for sale through out the industry, these diamonds may be either more expensive than the recommended retail figure, or less expensive than the recommended retail figure we have quoted. This figure is intended as a guide only.