Features: 8 Die Struck German Silver Mountings Whitehouse Brothers Chippenhook Display (7x7) Whitehouse Brothers Sample Die Whitehouse Images, Duratrans, & Support Materials Fast Turn Around on Special Orders Made in the USA Listing as a Whitehouse Authorized Dealer
Investment: $1,500 What you need to know about the manufacturing process Preparation of Metal: Each Whitehouse piece of jewelry begins as raw material. Pure Platinum, Gold and Palladium are melted to form an ingot, which is then rolled or drawn into sheets and wire. The simple form of metal working is the essential part to ensuring the integrity of Whitehouse Brothers jewelry. The basic materials of wire and sheet are used as the first step to create our die-struck and handmade jewelry. Die-Striking: Every Whitehouse Brothers piece of jewelry is manufactured using the die-struck process. Hundreds of special dies have been handmade in our shop over the past 115 years. Our precious metal sheet is forged into dies under many tons of pressure to the shape and form of rings, pendants and earrings. Whitehouse Brothers is one of few jewelry firms still manufacturing using the die-struck method. This process produces a product that is far superior to the industry standard of casting. Die-striking metal under extreme pressure creates a product 33% stronger and denser than a casting. The benefit is a longer lasting product, secure settings for diamonds and gemstones, and a mirror-like luster unobtainable by other methods. Assembly: A Whitehouse Brothers piece of jewelry will begin to take form during hand assembly by our craftsmen. Filigree details will be pierced using saw blades as small as a human hair. Each die-struck component is individually polished to achieve the highest finish inside and out. Welding and soldering techniques are used to assemble the blank shape from many parts. After assembly, the blank form will be filed, sanded, and polished to a fine finish, creating the palette for the diamond setter and engraver to create their masterwork. Setting: Whitehouse Brothers specializes in very fine setting of diamonds and gemstones. Using small cutting tools, known as gravers, precious metal is carved to form the setting work for each stone. Carved areas around the stones are known as bright cuts. The mirror finish of a bright-cut reflects light towards your eye, enhancing the appearance of diamonds and gemstones. Fine hand setting is an integral part of producing a well-made piece of jewelry. Engraving: Engravers finish the details of each piece of Whitehouse Brothers jewelry. The shape and style of our rings, pendants and earrings are embellished with bright cut designs and patterns by an engraving artist. Hand-cut borders around the work take shape as rows of small beads, known as milgrain. The engraver completes the artistic composition by tying all components of shape, piercing, and setting together. Finishing: A final polish is applied as the last detail. Bright areas are polished to the highest finish attainable. The final product is a piece of jewelry that feels and appears like no other. Whitehouse Brothers jewelry has the quality and glowing luster that only 115 years of manufacturing fine jewelry can create.