QuestionQUESTION: Hi
Why do different jewelers have different quality of finishing? Don't they all use the same machines to finish?
If not, which are the best machines to polish gold & platinum jewelry, everything including necklaces, bands, rings?
Do jewelers use CNC machines?
ANSWER: Dear Sam,
CNC machines are used by a few jewelers to produce models for investment casting (lost wax casting). A computer design program is used to produce a virtual model and also the commands to operate the CNC milling machine. A specialty wax material is carved with the machine following commands laid out by the CAD program. Many manufacturers will use these machines to produce prototype models. In the USA, some jewelers have given up the actual metal working and do only CAD virtual images and computer assisted milling commands, working on contract to provide a model for casting to metal working jewelers who provide a design. This method is often more cost efficient than hand carving a wax model of a jewelry item.
As for finishing, buffing wheels are used on a motor, large or small, simple or complicated design. The effect is the same: The metal is applied to the spinning buff and is worked. One buff will be abrasive to remove scratches and another will be for final polishing. Different jewelers will use different abrasives, polishing compounds and buffing machines and methods but essentially the work is accomplished in the same basic manner.
For platinum I use a mildly abrasive smoothing compound followed with a green (chrome oxide) polishing compound. Different finished are obtained using brushes, polished agate rubbing of the metal, sanding for a texture, etc.
Why are some finished better than others? Why is one man clean and another unwashed? Why is one vehicle very well finished and another poorly finished? The result depends on the intention of those doing the work. Some are expert, some are poor workers, some are concerned with quality and good workmanship and others do not care how the product is finished as long as they are paid something.
Thank you. God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Where can I learn the art of making fine jewelry?
AnswerSam, I am not familiar with training for jewelers in India. Is it possible to become an apprentice to an experienced jeweler? Is it possible to become employed with one of the large jewelry manufacturers in your country? Those are paths you may possibly walk.
In the USA it will require a basic metal working training at schools such at Revere Institute or New Approach School. For arts, additional training may be had at various schools of fine arts, such as SCAD. You can find these schools on the Internet.
Best Wishes. God Bless and peace. Thomas.
