Every Carmen & Lucy Fine Jewellery piece embarks on an extraordinary journey—from the first flick of a pencil on a sketchpad to the final, radiant polish. The tools of jewellery craft have changed little over the centuries, and the heart of our process remains rooted in the hands of master artisans who bring these designs to life with skill, patience, and passion.
"Design & gemstone sourcing is where my strength & passion lie. I like to leave the making process up to the masters and entrust my jewellery to the most skilled artisans in the industry. Every gemstone I select tells a story, and every design is carefully considered to highlight the innate beauty of the stone."
Every piece begins as a vision. Julia meticulously sketches each design, exploring form, proportion, and detail. Inspired by historical jewels, fine art, and the beauty of natural gemstones, she refines each concept until the perfect balance is achieved. These sketches then evolve into digital renders, bringing the design to life in a way that allows for intricate refinements before the making begins.
The heart of any fine jewellery piece is its gemstones. Each stone is personally sourced for its uniqueness, vibrancy, and intensity. Whether it’s a diamond with exquisite light performance or a sapphire with an unparalleled depth of colour, the process is led by a deep appreciation for rarity and beauty. Every gemstone is handpicked to ensure it complements its setting and tells a story of its own.
Once the design and gemstones are finalised, the craftsmanship begins. A wax model is created to form a mould, which is then filled with molten gold or platinum. This ancient method, known as lost-wax casting, has remained largely unchanged for centuries, ensuring precision and integrity in every detail. The raw casting emerges as a rough form of the design, ready for refinement by skilled hands.
The cast metal is just the beginning. Every component—be it a ring band, an intricate basket setting, or fine embellishments—is shaped, soldered, and assembled by hand. Traditional tools, passed down through generations, are used to sculpt and perfect each piece. Precision and patience are key, ensuring the foundation is flawless before the gemstones are introduced.
Setting a gemstone is an art that requires steady hands and an expert eye. Using techniques that have been perfected over centuries, our master setter secure each stone into place, ensuring durability while enhancing brilliance. Working under a microscope, our skilled stone setter ensures absolute precision, meticulously aligning the tiny facets on our diamond bands so that each one catches the light in perfect harmony.
Once set, the final stage brings out the true beauty of the piece. Whether it’s a high-polish mirror finish, a heavy hammer texture, or fine hand-engraving, each detail is carefully considered. Every surface is hand-finished to achieve the desired effect, ensuring that the piece feels as exquisite as it looks.
To honour the value of every Carmen & Lucy creation, we provide certification for diamonds above 0.5ct and offer in-house valuations for pieces over $1,000. Independent valuations are available upon request, giving clients complete confidence in the authenticity and quality of their jewellery.
At Carmen & Lucy Fine Jewellery, we believe that every piece is more than an object—it’s an heirloom in the making. With a dedication to time-honoured craftsmanship, artistry, and detail, we create jewellery that carries meaning, beauty, and brilliance for generations to come.
Whether you're planning a bespoke design or selecting a finished piece, we're here to guide you with clarity, care, and expert support. Enquire now to get started.
