- No matter the type of jewelry or how it is created, the process of jewelry making always begins with the design. The design is sketched out by the designer and then is refined into a pattern for creating a piece of jewelry. In some cases, work may begin without the design being formally sketched out but only in very simple pieces of handcrafted jewelry.
- Based on the pattern, work begins to craft the jewelry. With the exception of wire-wrapping and some hammered pieces, a mold is usually created. The design and pattern created in Step 1 is used as a guide to carve the mold. Some changes may need to be made in order to accommodate available materials or to work within the limits of the materials. The chosen metal is poured into the mold and then removed. In the case of wire wrapping, hammered pieces or non-molded pieces, the craftsman follows the pattern to carefully craft the piece of jewelry.
- Molded pieces must be buffed and polished after removal from the mold. Most other pieces of jewelry must also be buffed and polished after they are created. If the piece contains gemstones or other decorations, they are added at this time. If a setting must be soldered to the piece, it is done before buffing and setting the stone. Setting of the stones is the last step in making jewelry to avoid damage to the stone.
