Here at Legacy Diamond & Gems we work in small steps ensuring that you're aware and up to date on every process of your custom piece. Step 1: The consultation: The first step in creating custom jewelry for a client is to sit down with them and understand their needs, wants, and concerns. This gives us the chance to get an idea of the design you desire, what metal or metals you're interested in using, and the stones you want. These consultations take between 30-60 minutes and are free of charge. If you're unable to come to our store we can work remotely, using phone calls, emails, and even text messaging. Step 2: Sketches: Our jewelers will create hand sketches depicting what was discussed during your consultation. This is usually the first chance of seeing a physical rendition of your custom designed piece. The drawings give you and the jeweler the opportunity to make adjustments if necessary. Step 3: CAD Design/Wax Carving: CAD stands for computer-aided design. This step offers you the chance to view your creation in a whole new way. This is a 3D rendering of what your jewelry will look like. From here you and the jeweler will make any final adjustments. Wax Carving: In this step our jewelers will hand carve a wax specimen of your future jewelry piece. This is our preferred method for custom elk ivory jewelry and shadow bands. Step 4: Casting: In this step your jewelry goes from a wax mold or a 3D rendering to a rough physical creation. Once the jewelers have the cast in hand we move to the final steps. Here the jewelers clean up the casting, set any stones that need set, clean, and polish your piece.