It All Starts with an Idea
We begin every design with a conversation, either in our Seattle Design Center or Online. Both ways are Simple, Artful & Fun!
sm & offer top notch service and creative insight from artistic professionals.
By designing & manufacturing everything in house, we ensure craftsmanship, Quality & great value!
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Wax Carving & Model Making
If the piece is to be cast, and most are, we then create a wax or Resin master model. We do this by using a combination of our Gemvision Revo 4 Axis mills, Perfactory 3-D rapid Prototyping machines and hand carving to create the perfect blend of artistry and detailed perfection.
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Casting
Once the design has been approved, the model is now set for casting. Our in-house casting facility is state of the art, with world class equipment and a custom casters' attention to detail. Our Galloni Fusus HD platinum and gold casting equipment, originally created to the specifications of Tiffany & Co. allows us to cast even tricky alloys like Palladium 950 in house for the best quality control & cost efficiency.
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Hand forging & fabrication
Many of our designs have hand Forged elements. Forging hardens the metal and makes even fine elements durable enough to last a lifetime. We show you examples of similar elements for you to choose from or forge and fabricate partial sections of the design for your approval before finishing all the details.
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Hand Made Fine Wire Filigree
The art of filigree consists of curling, twisting and bending fine threads of wire by hand. This incredibly intricate art form takes many years to master. We are fortunate to have Several Master Filigree Artists, more than any other shop we know of!
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Gemstone Setting
We always hand set each gemstone, detailing all areas to perfection. We never cast stones in place, an inferior technique used to mass produce much low quality, "Cookie Cutter" jewelry made in the world today. Compare the pictures in our Gallery to see the attention to fine detail & Craftsmanship.
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Hand Engraving
Hand engraving is the art of hand cutting designs directly into the metal with highly polished specialty gravers. This is the hallmark of a true jewelry artist, and, like much of our work, is performed under a bench microscope for intricate detail. We do all of our hand engraving in-house (we currently have several hand engraving artists on staff; By the way, most shops send hand engraving out to be done elsewhere.)
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Texture, Finishes and Detailing
The final stage of the production process includes adding textures & finishes. Before quality marking, we double and triple check all details of the design to ensure all instructions have been meticulously followed, the design is well executed and all craftsmanship is top notch.
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Time Line
Most projects are in process for 3 to 6 weeks from consultation to completion.
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Pricing, Estimates & Payments
Verbal estimates are an approximation of price only, and all firm estimates will be given to the customer in writing.
We stand by our quotes & never have hidden charges, however, metal & gemstone prices can be volatile, so please present your written estimate before work is started.
Written estimates are valid for a minimum of 10 days. After 10 days, we reserve the right to modify existing estimates to accommodate for changes in labor and material prices before we start a job.
All estimates will have center & major side stone(s) priced out separately from other items listed. small diamond melee (under .10 ct.) is generally included in the prices shown on the website and in estimates.
Estimates on custom designs or repairs that have already started will not be changed without prior notification and approval from the customer. In order for a piece to be started, and for the estimate to be agreed to by both parties, we ask for a 50% deposit & full payment on major gemstones. Custom designs and repairs must be completed within 6 months; otherwise they may be subject to additional charges, fees, interest or price changes.
Before we start the job, we generally require at least 50% of the estimated price of Custom work and full payment on major stones.
- We accept credit cards for any amount if presented in person.
- For internet purchases, we reserve the right to limit the amount that we will put on a credit card over the phone to $2000.
- We may require an ID photocopy with your correct billing address and a signed credit card form which we can either fax or mail to you. We also accept checks, wire transfers or money orders.
- Washington state residents must pay sales tax, but out of state clients who purchase over the internet are currently sales tax free. Cleared, full payment is required before delivery is made.
- We reserve the right to hold orders to allow time for payment clearing.
- Payments of over 2000.00 paid by wire transfer (or Cash) may be eligible for a 1.5% discount, please ask you Designer for details. Discounts, Coupons and promotions cannot be combined.
Financing
We offer financing through Alaska USA to qualified in-Shop clients, please ask your Designer for Details & Terms. We do not have financing available for Online clients
at this time. Financing Rules are subject to change without notice and all policies are determined by the respective service Providers.
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Sincerely,
Jim Tuttle
Owner, Designer, Gold & Platinumsmith