Custom Design

Virtual Reality Custom Design

Until now, having a jeweler custom design for you required a pretty sizable leap of faith. For many, visualizing a finished piece from a rough sketch is not possible. But there’s nothing like having something made just for you. In order to eliminate worry and solve the problem of visualization, we’ve revolutionized the custom design process into something that’s comfortable and enjoyable. As an added feature you can also keep up with the completion status on-line at Medlarsjewelry.com.

Your Initial Consultation

Notes and a very rough sketch is initiated. Then the revolution begins. The sketch is converted, using virtual reality software, to a three dimensional, full color image of  how the piece will look after it is completed.

A Second Consultation with You

Whether we E-mail the image to you or you visit the store, you see the three dimensional, virtual reality image for the first time. You can look at it from several angles, see the colors, the setting style, the artistic gold work, and you develop the confidence that this is the way it’s really going to be. Any changes you would like are discussed.

The Final Consultation

Upon your satisfaction with the design, a deposit is taken and we begin the wax milling and/or growing process

Milling and/or Growing

Here at Medlar's your design is milled in wax to precise specifications set by the design instructions and is ready for casting.

The Casting Process

Your design is cast in the lost wax technique. This technique is thousands of years old. This method consists of pouring investment (similar to plaster of paris) around the wax in a metal cylinder .  The plaster dries and is placed in an oven. The oven is heated until the wax, inside the plaster, melts away leaving an exact reproduction of the wax inside. Precious metal is then super heated to a liquid state. A centrifuge is used to force the molten metal into the plaster cavity. After cooling, the plaster is broken open exposing the raw casting. the raw cast is now ready to finish, polish and gem set.

The Setting Process

A “layout” of gems is prepared and the setting begins. The majority of the time we set gemstones under magnification using a very special machine called a Graver-Max. This allows us to do a very complicated setting with unmatched precision.

Finishing Touches

You are presented with your personalized custom masterpiece. We will give you a portfolio that is complete with our appraisal, care guide and any other important reference material.

Throughout the experience you can check the status of your design on-line at Medlarsjewelry.com.