Haywards of Hong Kong’s beautiful custom wedding and engagement rings are all created through an exciting mix of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship. David Nazar, owner and founder, tells us more.
Creating a ring is a tradition that actually dates back to the earliest civilisations. The Romans believed there was a vein that went straight from the third finger on the left hand to the heart. Wearing a ring symbolically meant a commitment to the heart, as well as legally to your spouse.
At Haywards, we believe that the significance and meaning for each person’s wedding ring is entirely unique to them; the same applies to the design. Taking into account that fact that we typically wear our wedding rings on a daily basis, I think it’s worth investing a bit more resources into getting one that you absolutely love.
Of course, there aren’t any hard and fast rules on how wedding rings should be worn. The modern trend is for the lady to wear both an engagement and wedding ring on the same finger. Since the engagement ring is usually bought before the actual wedding ring, combining the two sometimes requires a custom fit; we make sure the wedding band matches perfectly to create a complementary set.
DESIGNING THE PERFECT RING
The design process starts with a consultation to discuss ideas and inspirations for the desired ring. Most clients come in with an idea of what they’re looking for, or they have seen similar styles that they like, so we can tailor those ideas to their specific tastes. We like our customers to be involved in the creation of the piece from the start to the very end.
Once an initial design has been decided, we move on to sourcing gems and diamonds, showing a large selection to fit the proposed budget.
Next, we start designing the ring through a mix of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship; this process usually takes about three weeks.
Step 1
We work together with a customer through their inspirations and ideas, and then carefully craft a design using technical drawing and CAD rendering (computer-aided design). This is a very accurate process that allows us to create a 3D digital image with fine-tuned details.
Step 2
After completing the technical drawing, the ring design is printed into a 3D wax model, using a machine that prints layers of wax onto a base, until the entire shape of the ring is formed.
Step 3
The next step is the metal casting, done through a technique called “lost wax casting”, which actually dates back to third millennium BC. Molten metal is poured into a mould that has been created from the wax model. Once done, the wax model is melted and drained away. Then, a machine heats the metal till it melts and uses a vacuum action to create a perfect casting.
Step 4
Now it’s time for the craftsman to work his magic. A specialist goldsmith will assemble all parts of the ring using delicate soldering techniques. He then files and polishes the metal into its sleek and shiny final look. Afterwards, it’s passed to a gem-setter, who fixes the diamonds and precious gems using various methods and devices to ensure everything is secured firmly in place.
Step 5
The goldsmith gives the ring some final tender loving care – polishing, finishing and quality checking alongside the gem-setter. It’s this kind of teamwork between modern technology and traditional craftsmanship that really makes every piece of jewellery an exciting work of art.
For more information, visit haywards.com.hk. For enquiries, email bespoke@haywards.com.hk or call 2545 4400.