How Our Jewellery Is Made
Designed in Adelaide and handcrafted by trusted local jewellers, each Carmen & Lucy piece moves through a careful process of gemstone sourcing, design development, CAD, casting, stone setting and finishing.
Every Carmen & Lucy piece begins with a clear design direction, carefully selected materials and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Whether we are creating a custom engagement ring in Adelaide, a remodelled heirloom or a one-of-a-kind gemstone piece, our process is guided by proportion, durability, wearability and detail.
Each piece is designed in our Adelaide studio and handcrafted by trusted local jewellers, using carefully sourced gemstones and precious metals selected for their quality and suitability.
Our Process
Step 1: Gemstone Sourcing
We source diamonds, sapphires, coloured gemstones and one-of-a-kind stones according to the design brief, considering cut, colour, clarity, proportion and how the stone will perform in its setting.
Step 2: Design Development & CAD
The design is refined through sketches, technical planning and CAD, allowing proportions, setting heights, band widths, stone placement and structural details to be reviewed before production begins.
Step 3: Casting & Refinement
Once approved, the design is cast in the chosen metal. The raw casting is then cleaned, shaped and refined by hand before it moves to setting.
Step 4: Stone Setting
Each gemstone is secured using the setting method best suited to the design, whether claws, bezel, pavé, bead setting or another specialised technique.
Step 5: Finishing & Quality Control
The final piece is polished, textured or finished by hand, then checked closely to ensure the settings, surfaces and overall finish are ready for wear.
Selected for colour, quality and character.
Gemstones are central to many Carmen & Lucy designs. We work with diamonds, sapphires, coloured gemstones and rare one-of-a-kind stones, sourcing each gem with a focus on colour, quality and character.
For engagement rings and custom pieces, gemstones are selected according to the individual brief. This may include a specific diamond shape, a particular colour of sapphire or an unusual cut.
A beautiful stone needs to be more than visually striking. It needs to be right for the design, the wearer and the piece being made.
Sketches, CAD and technical refinement.
Once the design direction and gemstones are confirmed, the piece is developed further through sketches, technical planning and CAD.
CAD translates the design into a precise digital model, allowing us to refine proportions, setting heights, band widths, stone placement and structural details before the piece is made.
Where helpful, a resin model can also be created so the scale and form of the design can be viewed in person before the piece is cast.
Cast in gold or platinum, then refined by hand.
After the design is finalised, the piece moves into production. A wax or resin model is created from the approved CAD design and used to form a mould for casting.
The piece is then cast in the chosen metal, whether 9ct gold, 18ct gold, platinum or another precious metal selected for the design.
Our pieces are made using quality precious metals, including Responsible Jewellery Council certified gold through our trusted suppliers.
Precision setting under magnification.
Stone setting is one of the most precise stages of the making process. Each gemstone is carefully secured into its setting, whether held by claws, bezel, pavé, bead setting or another method suited to the design.
The setting style is chosen not only for appearance, but also for security and longevity.
All stone setting is carried out under a microscope, allowing for an exceptional level of precision, particularly in fine details such as pavé bands, hidden halos and delicate claw work.
Finished for beauty, comfort and everyday wear.
Once the stones are set, the piece moves through its final finishing stages. This may include a high-polish finish, matte finish, soft satin texture, hammered texture, engraving or another surface treatment.
The piece is then checked closely for quality. Settings are inspected, surfaces are refined, proportions are reviewed and the overall finish is assessed before the piece is ready for collection.
Where applicable, diamond certification is provided for qualifying stones. Custom pieces over $1,000 include an appraisal for insurance purposes, and independent valuations can be arranged where required.
Designed in Adelaide
Every piece begins in our Adelaide studio, where design direction, proportion and wearability are carefully refined.
Locally Handcrafted
Our jewellery is handcrafted by trusted local jewellers, combining specialist skill with precise finishing.
Carefully Sourced Materials
We work with carefully selected gemstones and precious metals chosen for beauty, durability and suitability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carmen & Lucy jewellery made in Adelaide?
Each Carmen & Lucy piece is designed in our Adelaide studio and handcrafted by trusted local jewellers. We work closely with our makers throughout the process, from design development to final quality control.
Do you create custom jewellery in Adelaide?
Yes. We create custom jewellery in Adelaide, including engagement rings, wedding bands, gemstone pieces and jewellery remodelling projects.
Do you use CAD for custom jewellery?
Yes. CAD is used to create a precise digital model of the design before production begins, allowing proportions, setting heights, band widths, stone placement and structural details to be refined before the piece is cast.
Can I view a model before my piece is made?
Where helpful, a resin model can be created so the scale and form of the design can be viewed in person before the piece is cast. This is particularly useful for engagement rings, fitted wedding bands and detailed custom pieces.
What metals do you work with?
We work with a range of precious metals including 9ct gold, 18ct gold and platinum. The most suitable metal will depend on the design, gemstone, wear requirements and preferred finish.
How long does custom jewellery take to make?
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the piece, gemstone sourcing and current studio schedule. As a general guide, custom pieces often take approximately 6 to 8 weeks from design approval.
Guided from first idea to finished piece.
From the first appointment to the final collection, our process is designed to feel calm, transparent and tailored to the piece being created.
Bespoke Design
We begin with your ideas, gemstones, references or heirloom pieces, then refine the direction into a design that feels personal and wearable.
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Crafted With Care
Each piece is made with close attention to structure, setting, comfort, finishing and the details that matter over time.
Explore Custom Jewellery
One-on-One Guidance
Visit our Adelaide CBD studio to view gemstones, explore design samples and discuss your piece in a relaxed private appointment.
Visit Our StudioBegin with a private appointment.
Our Adelaide studio is designed to feel calm, welcoming and personal. View gemstones, explore design samples and discuss your piece in detail.
Appointments are available for custom engagement rings, wedding bands, fine jewellery and jewellery remodelling in Adelaide.
Begin Your Custom Jewellery Journey
Whether you are creating an engagement ring, redesigning heirloom jewellery or selecting a gemstone for a future piece, our process is designed to be personal, precise and transparent.