processHow we make jewelry and how you are involved.

Some of the pieces we have made in the past.
Something we made recently that we'd like you to see.
... We are not a normal jewelry store. When you walk in to our store you will find yourself in a workshop surrounded by the tools and equipment used to make small metal things. The jewelers you will be talking to are experts with over 55 years of combined experience in jewelry making who have made more than 13,000 pieces in gold and platinum. You will be working directly from start to finish with the person who makes your piece of jewelry.

The first 10 minutes of a custom project is often the hardest part of all. We begin a design by talking and drawing pictures together so we have an understanding of what we need to do. Our experience and artistic abilities will be a big help in getting started. You will learn how your jewelry is made so you know what the limitations and possibilities are and how you can use us to make exactly what you want. It works.

Sketches and drawings are great for communicating ideas and getting started but jewelry is designed in wax. The beauty of making wax models is that you can see the shape while it is relatively easy to make changes and explore new ideas. Until you can hold it in your hand and try it on you just don't know what you are getting. We find it often takes several models to get it right. The final wax model is used to make the molds we cast the metal into.

Casting is the really fun part. You get to play with fire! Often, when we are making wedding bands, the couple we are doing them for will come in with their family and friends to cast the rings. The couple themselves will melt the gold for each other's rings, although we will pay attention to the mold and melt temperatures and other details so we get quality castings. The rough castings are kind of ugly at this stage and will require a fair bit of work to be made presentable but we can check for sizing and play with them.Whether it is the two of you or twenty, these casting parties can be great gatherings and usually become an integral part of the whole wedding celebration.

We will need a week or so to finish the jewelry and set any stones. Because there may be style options, it is sometimes best to do the final surface finish of the pieces when you come to pick them up. From design to completion, the whole process will take 4 to 5 weeks.
Come see us!

...Downtown Seattle, down the hill from the Pike Place Market.

Goldmine Jewelry
1405 1st AVE
Seattle, Wa 98101
206-622-3333
goldminejewelry@gmail.com