When it comes to purchasing high quality handmade rings and jewellery it’s important to understand the different types of craftsmanship involved that went into the making and manufacturing of it.

Let’s start with the Casting Method. The casting method of making jewellery involves carving an original, one of a kind item in wax, then getting it cast (usually in multiples). Other ways that jewellery is cast:

• buying pre made cast components and soldering them together
• designing a ring by CAD (Computer Aided Design program), printing a wax ring from that design and casting it

Casts are mostly seen in high volume jewellery stores where jewellery can be mass produced to meet consumer demand. Firstly, a model is made in wax, crating a mould. From there molten metal is poured into that mould. Upon cooling, the mould is broken apart and away, revealing a perfectly replicated gold or silver jewellery. It is then polished and finished using traditional metalsmithing techniques.

The benefits of using the casting method are many. It allows the jewellery maker, and you, to see the finished product in a 3D rendering in wax prior to casting it in precious metal. Casting is a less expensive way to create multiple replicated jewellery designs.

In stark contrast to the casting method of making jewellery is the method of making jewellery entirely by hand. Handmade Jewellery is jewellery that is made by hand using rolling mills, hammers, files and heat – all traditional craftsman’s techniques. The rolling and hammering causes the gold and silver to become denser, stronger and more durable. It holds a better polish, lasts longer and resists bending or losing shape. When a jeweller makes jewellery by hand, from scratch, they will work in metal from the very beginning.

The benefits of handmade jewellery are also many. The main benefit to most people is that the piece of jewellery is truly unique. Handmade jewellery can easily have a mix of metals within one design because it is put together by hand. Last minute design changes can be easily made and it is often quicker as there are fewer processes involved.

Another way to make jewellery is to use precious metal clay. This is a lot like pottery in many ways. Metal Clay is made of pure silver powder mixed with a non toxic binder and water. In its raw form, metal clay can be shaped with your hands. Once dried, it can then be filed and sanded. During the firing process the harmless binder burns away and the silver particles fuse to form a 99.9% pure silver piece. You can create components by manipulating and hand shaping the metal clay to your desired shape, texture and thickness. Once the clay is fired, you can then finish your jewellery and refine it using traditional metalsmithing techniques.

At Bija Bijoux Jewellery Online, we make our jewellery using both cast and handmade elements. For example, we may create a handmade ring, then use a cast element for the setting of the stone. Each method has its strengths and our primary goal is to create beautiful jewellery that you will be proud to own, wear and hand down to your children and next generations.