Rings are easily the most symbolic piece of jewelry you can wear- just look at wedding and engagement rings! But they’re also very easy to lose or damage, or the color of the metal just doesn’t fit your style anymore even though you like the design. What to do?
Ring replication can take care of all of those issues.
What Is Ring Replication?
Ring replication is a custom jewelry creation process that uses the original design of the ring to create a new ring. These are the most common situations for ring replication:
- The original piece was stolen or lost.
- The original piece was damaged.
- The customer wants the exact same design in a different colored metal.
- The customer wants to take the existing design and modify it.
- The customer wants to upgrade the ring from costume jewelry to fine jewelry.
The Process:
1. Assessment:
When the ring replication process starts, we assess the item and determine what needs to be done. Each situation is different depending on the customer needs, but here’s a real example of a replication we recently did for a client.
This customer sent in a 4-pronged engagement band in 14k yellow gold, along with a loose .8 carat moissanite stone. He wanted us to set the stone into the original ring, but the moment we received it, we could tell it would not fit. We couldn’t replace the head, or the part of the ring that holds the stone, with a new one large enough for the moissanite. This particular ring had a design that was not modifiable.
We called the customer and explained why we couldn’t set the stone into his original ring. After some discussion, he decided to replicate the design of his original ring with a modified head that would be large enough to set the moissanite.
2. Computer Aided Design (CAD) Creation:
In order to create the customer’s ring, the first step is to make a Computer Aided Design (CAD). The CAD is a 3D file that is sent to a 3D printer, which prints a replica of the item in wax. After the CAD is finished, we send it to the customer for approval before proceeding to make the ring.
This part of the process is the last stage where the customer can make modifications, such as ring size, metal type, and other alterations. Once they give us their final approval, the CAD is moved to casting.
3. Casting:
The CAD is sent to the 3D printer, which prints out an exact-to-scale wax replica of the design. That wax replica is then encased in investment, a plaster that is used for making molds. When the wax is completely covered, it’s subject to heat which melts the wax out, leaving behind a hollow in the plaster that’s perfectly shaped like the ring. The molten metal of choice is then used to cast the item.
4. Finishing:
After the solid metal components are complete, they’re moved to finishing. Finishing includes polishing, stone setting, and plating.
- Polishing: Casting doesn’t result in smooth metal. A polisher will carefully buff the piece to a high shine. If the original ring had a different look, like a satin or hammered finish, the jewelers will replicate that finish on the new ring.
- Stone setting: All stones are securely set and tightened to make sure the finished piece has no loose stones.
- Plating: This option is for people who want gold-plated rings, or white gold rings. For white gold rings, it’s standard procedure to plate them in rhodium to ensure a bright silvery finish and enhance durability.
The Cost of Ring Replication
The cost depends on several factors, stated below. The minimum budget for any custom creation piece is $200.
- 3D Design: The CAD file is always $150, and is necessary for production. You can revise the CAD up to three times; after that, there will be additional charges for making more revisions.
- The Metal Type: The heavier and more precious the metal, the higher the price. For example, a 14k yellow gold ring that weighs 4 grams is cheaper than an 18k version of the same design.
- The Stones: The more stones and the higher the quality, the more expensive the piece. If you want genuine diamonds, but high-quality ones exceed your budget, opt for lower grade gems such as I1 or I2 quality.
- The Labor: Additional labor, such as enameling or plating, adds to the overall cost of the ring replication.
Ring replication is a great option if you’re looking to change up your beloved jewelry, or restore a missing piece to your collection. If you’re interested, get in touch with a custom creation specialist here.
Community Discussion
Questions, experiences, and expert answers from the QJR community.
I am interested in having a ring replicated and wondered how to start the process so I could get an idea of costs involved.
Hi Lynda! Thanks for your interest; we’ve sent you an email regarding our custom creation process.
id also like to have info on how to have a ring made? I have a ring and I’d like it made with a better metal
Hi Rob, we’ll reach out via email with further details!
I would also like to know about the possibilities and cost of replicating a tiny child’s ring.
I would like to reproduce my wife’s class ring from 30 years ago that was stolen. Would you be able to reproduce a class ring?
Hi Jonathan,
We can definitely reproduce a class ring! We’ll be sending you an email shortly to follow up with some details.
Hi i am interested in doing my ring replication
Hi there, thanks for reaching out to us! We’ve sent you an email 🙂
Hi I wanna reproduce mucho ring it was simple but my cat flushed it down the toilet and we couldn’t get it back. Is it even possible to get a ring reproduced
Hi Vanessa,
It’s definitely possible to remake a ring (that’s why we wrote this article!)
We’ve sent you an email 🙂
Can a ring be recreated from just a picture???
Hi Cindy,
Absolutely! We actually just finished a ring replication for a client who lost a family heirloom based on only two pictures! We’ve emailed you for more details 🙂
Unfortunately this sites looks like its based in the US. i am looking at getting a replica of my engagement ring made due to losing it but this is only giving me US dollar amounts
Hi Julie,
We’re based in NYC but we take international customers all the time! We’ve reached out to you via email.
Hello can someone replicate a ring? My original one was broken.
Hi Natasha, we’ve emailed you for more details.
Hello I am very interested in replicating my wife’s wedding band. It is not damaged but it is something that will look great on the other side of her engagement ring and I don’t know how to get that started and need help
I have a ring that is Native American style, that was given to me by my grandmother and my brother wants it as well. Is this something that you guys think that you could do?
Hi Jared, we’ve reached out to you via email!
I’d love to get a ring replicated. It’s not damaged or anything, I just want a copy of it.
We can take a look at that for you, we’ve emailed you for more information.
Can you guys do this for me
I have va ring that I love its brass. I would love to have it redone in silver.
We just sent you an email to discuss this further!
Interested in getting my wedding set replicated. I lost my husband to cancer 7 years ago. 5 years ago I lost my wedding set and his gold band. I wore them together on a chain around my neck. The chain broke on a golf course. I looked high and low… call regularly to see if found. But all was lost. While I know they wouldn’t be the same rings…. I would like to have replaced and something to pass on. It haunts me that our rings are just out there, somewhere
We just sent you an email to discuss this further!
Hi! I was looking to replicate a ring that I was given by my mom because it was lost/stolen. I want to see if I’m able to afford it being a college student. Thank you
Hi there, we can definitely help with you replication. We will email you shortly with further details!
My fiance passed away and the ring he bought me has been lost for a couple months, can u make a replication from pictures?
Hi there, I’m very sorry for your loss! We can definitely replicate the ring for you. I will reach out shortly to discuss further details.
I am inquiring around, can you replicate a ring into stainless steel. i.e. skull ring?
Hi Justin, Yes we can! Please email us at [email protected] with pictures to get started and learn more about the process.
Hi, I lost my mom’s ring and she recently passed away. I would really like it replicated, how can I get an estimate??
Hi there, my condolences for your lose. We can definitely help replicate your mothers ring! If you could send a picture of the ring as well as some details about it like its base metal, that would be great. Please email us at [email protected]
Thank you!
[email protected]
Hi Lori, please email us at [email protected] for further assistance!
Hi! I live in NYC. Am I able to come in to show you the ring I want to get duplicated? I’m way too nervous to ship it.
I want to duplicate my engagement ring because my husband spent a couple of thousand dollars on it (against my personal wishes) and now I’m too scared to wear it anywhere other than around my family. I want everything to be fake. How much would that cost?
Hi there, please email us a few pictures to [email protected] for further assistance! 🙂
Hello, I just recently got engaged and we decided to purchase an affordable ring. It is sterling silver plated in rose gold. I would like to get this ring replicated but with real rose gold. is this possible?
Hi Jocelin, please email a few pictures of your piece to [email protected] for further assistance! 🙂
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