Design Sketch to Casting: How Chinchar Maloney Brings Jewelry to Life

The earliest piece of jewelry dates back more than 25,000 years ago when a simple necklace constructed of fish bones was discovered in a cave in Monaco. Today, jewelry is a staple in most people’s wardrobe, helping to bring any outfit to completion.

At Chinchar Maloney, we set a standard in heirloom quality, handcrafted jewelry. Our family-owned and operated studio offers a wide assortment of earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces featuring beautiful and ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones.

There are many aspects of jewelry-making, starting from the initial design sketches and ending with the casting of a one-of-a-kind treasure. Learn how we bring each piece of jewelry to life at Chinchar Maloney.

Consultation and Design

Every piece created by Chinchar Maloney starts with an initial design sketch. Some pieces are made exclusively for our collections, such as our Diamond Deco, Naturally Colored Diamonds, Montana Sapphires, or our Modern Rustic jewelry.

Along with creating unique pieces for our collections, we also offer custom-designed jewelry. Customers have the option of speaking directly with our Custom Specialist to discuss custom design ideas. The design process of jewelry creation is one of the most important. This is when major decisions are made, such as the style of the piece, the placement of diamonds or gemstones, and the overall look of the jewelry.

Customers looking to create a custom piece can choose to schedule an in-person consultation in our showroom where they can review sample pieces and go over ideas and sketches in person. Consultations can also be completed online or over the phone.

Metal, Gemstone, and Diamond Selection

The next step in the jewelry-making process involves selecting metals, gemstones, and/or diamonds. At Chinchar Maloney, we work directly with a group of trusted and highly respected suppliers who provide superior quality and expertly cut diamonds and gemstones. Only responsibly mined stones are used in our pieces.

Our clients have the option of several resilient metals, including white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold available in 10k, 14k, or 18k gold. The type of metal chosen will be based on several factors, such as the recipient’s lifestyle and style preferences.

At Chinchar Maloney, we only use natural, rustic diamonds and gemstones in collections, custom engagement rings, and other handcrafted jewelry. These unique stones are derived from naturally occurring inclusions and colors. Each diamond or gemstone is carefully inspected to ensure a strong structure and integrity.

Many of our designs incorporate rose-cut diamonds. A rose-cut diamond is flat on the bottom instead of pointed, which is more commonly seen in traditional, modern diamond cuts. On the top, a rose-cut diamond is faceted. All our rose-cut diamonds are cut expertly by hand.

We also hand-cut our one-of-a-kind sapphires from Montana. Montana sapphire engagement rings and other handcrafted jewelry feature an organic and sculptural style that you won’t find anywhere else. Montana sapphires are one of the most ethical options of natural gemstones and one of few gemstones found in the United States.

Handcrafted Jewelry Casting

The diamonds and gemstones chosen for a piece of jewelry typically drive the direction of the design. Once the metal and stones have been selected and sketches have been drawn, they are sent to our production team.

During production, waxes are carved and set in an investment plaster. We use the ‘lost wax’ method of casting which involves baking the plaster with the wax inside within a kiln until the wax bakes away. This process leaves an empty space in which molten gold or another chosen metal is thrown into via a centrifugal caster.

Once a piece has been cast, it is cut from the sprue and the final stages of production can take place. These final touches give the jewelry its unique allure and one-of-a-kind beauty. Final production involves setting the diamonds and/or gemstones, as well as finishing the gold or other metal with the desired texture, such as brushed (matte) or polished.

When it comes to custom jewelry designs, clients can expect the entire process to take roughly four to six weeks. During this time, they can enjoy being part of the process by receiving photos and updates during each stage of the jewelry creation.

Building a Custom Ring

Whether you plan to pop the question, have an upcoming anniversary, or just want to present an extra special gift to a loved one, a custom ring is a great way to show you care. At Chinchar Maloney, we take on custom projects based on the specifications and ideas presented by customers.

For custom gemstone engagement rings, we recommend hard stones like sapphires or rubies. However, we can also source other types of gemstones from our gem dealers. Natural diamond engagement rings are an excellent option for customers who value the ethics of naturally sourced stones.

Our team at Chinchar Maloney can assist in all aspects of the custom ring-building experience, including sizing. If you’re not sure what size ring to get, one of our team members can provide you with advice and ideas to ensure the perfect fit. We can also guide you in the right direction while choosing metals and stones to fit your lifestyle.

It is a common misconception that building your own custom ring is more expensive than purchasing a pre-built ring. This process is both affordable and well worth the investment because you’re getting exactly what you want. 

Choosing a custom engagement ring is also a great option if you plan to buy a matching wedding now or in the future. Many women enjoy having a matching wedding band that complements their engagement ring. Our team can help you design a wedding set that reflects her unique personality and style tastes.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Located in Portland, Oregon, Chinchar Maloney provides clients with the highest quality, handcrafted fine jewelry backed by stellar customer service. For more information about our design and casting processes or to get started with a custom project, contact our studio today.