In our family run workshop in England, each engagement ring embarks on a remarkable journey. From initial sketches to the final polish, every piece passes through twelve pairs of skilled hands, each contributing their expertise to create something extraordinary. It's a process refined through generations, combining time-honoured techniques with contemporary precision.

Many think of jewellery creation as a single craft, but it's rather more nuanced than that. Each ring represents a careful orchestration of multiple disciplines, from the steady hand of our stone setter to the keen eye of our polisher. Every craftsperson in our workshop has honed their specific skill over decades, understanding how their particular expertise contributes to the whole.

Today, we're pulling back the curtain on this process, sharing the intricate journey your ring takes from raw materials to the moment it's presented in its box. It's a story of precision, patience, and unwavering attention to detail.

The Journey Begins: Design to Cast

• Our design process begins with hand-sketching, translating your story into fluid lines and considered proportions
• Each design is refined through detailed technical drawings, ensuring every measurement is precise
• Our CAD specialists create three-dimensional renderings, allowing us to perfect every angle
• Using our CAD model the team then 3D print the component parts of the ring in wax and add them to a 'casting tree' ready for the caster to pour.

The Art of Metal

• We work exclusively with recycled precious metals
• The caster heats the chosen metal until it's molten.
• They pour the liquid metal into the space left by the wax tree which melts away due to the heat. 
• Once cooled the cast components are taken off the 'tree', cleaned up and de-sprued, ready to be soldered together. 

 Stone Setting: A Discipline Apart

• Each stone is examined under magnification before setting begins
• Setting styles require different techniques - from classic prongs to intricate pavé
• Our setters work with specially adapted tools, many of which they've customised over years
• Each setting is checked multiple times during the process for security

The Detail Work

• Tiny details are refined using traditional gravers and modern precision equipment
• Surface textures are carefully created by hand
• Any engraving is done using both hand tools and laser technology for precision
• Each piece is examined under magnification at multiple stages

The Final Flourish

• Multiple stages of polishing bring out the metal's natural lustre
• Each piece undergoes ultrasonic cleaning between stages
• Final polish is done entirely by hand for the perfect finish
• Every surface is checked under magnification one final time

Quality Control

• Each ring undergoes a 20-point inspection process
• Every stone is checked again for security
• The piece is assessed in natural light
• Measurements are verified against the original specifications
• The comfort and balance of the ring is tested

The Final Journey

• Each piece is carefully cleaned and polished one last time
• Our workshop manager personally inspects every ring
• The ring is hallmarked at the London Assay Office
• Finally, it's carefully boxed in our Storyboxes and prepared for its recipient

What Makes Us Different Unlike

mass production, where pieces move quickly through automated processes, we take pride in the time devoted to each ring. Our craftspeople have the freedom to focus on every detail, ensuring each piece meets our exacting standards.

The Human Touch

While we embrace modern technology where it enhances precision, the majority of our work is still done by hand. It's this human touch that gives each piece its character and ensures its quality. When you wear an Antonia Guise ring, you're wearing the culmination of countless hours of focused craftsmanship.

Looking Forward

These time-honoured techniques, combined with modern precision, create pieces that will last for generations. It's not just about creating something beautiful for today - it's about crafting an heirloom that will carry your story into the future.