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 also like to know about the possibilities and cost of replicating a tiny child’s ring.
Totally up our alley 😁 The first step will be an estimate from a photo – I’ve followed up directly via email 😊
I’m looking to have a ring replicated that was lost.
We’d love to help with this! I’ve followed up directly via email 🙂
I have a sterling silver ring that I LOVE the setting of but would like it in white gold and to have a full stone in center instead of the diamond cluster center. I would like to learn more about the process and cost for this specifically.
Thank you!
Hi Constance, sounds like you’ll need our custom creation service! We’ll reach out via email with further details.
Hello! I am looking to have a very simple ring with no jewels remade with higher quality metal. How do I get a quote and discuss starting the process?
Hi Kylie, we’d be happy to help you with this request! We’ll reach out via email with further details.
Hi, is it possible to recreate a totally new ring from scratch? I lost a family heirloom and my relatives don’t remember where they originally purchased the ring.
Hi Emily, we can definitely help recreate your lost ring. We’ll be in touch with further details soon. 🙂
I have a ring that got stolen and would like it to be recreated. It meant a lot to me. How would I go about doing that? And how much would it cost?
Hi Sierra, We’ll reach out to you via email with further details!
Hello, I was wondering how I can send you pictures of the ring in hopes that I can get it recreated.
Hi Giselle, Please email us a few photos to [email protected] for further assistance!
I have a lost heirloom I need replicated. I have about twenty pictures in various angles. Is this possible?
Hi Jaycie,We’ll reach out to you shortly via email with further details on jewelry replication! 🙂
I would like to have a ring replicated from a picture
Hi There, could you please email a picture of the ring you’d like replicated to [email protected] for further assistance?
Hello. I sent in pictures of my ring over a week ago. How long does it usually take to receive a reply?
Hi Kim, I responded to you on April 12th! Please check your junk mail. If you still didn’t receive the message, I’ll follow up again. 🙂
What is the email you sent from? I’ll check now.
I was unable to find it. Can you resend it?
I need to replace my lost wedding rings. Can you do that from a picture?
Hi There, yes we can! Please email a few pictures to [email protected] for further assistance. 🙂
Looking to have a ring I lost replicated. I have photos of it and can provide the details needed. Please contact me at your convenience.. Thanks!
Hi Celeste, please keep an eye out for an email with further details!
I lost my ring that my bf gave.
I have a picture of it. Is that something you guys could replicate?
Hi Stephanie, we can definitely help you with this request! Could you please provide a picture of the ring?
I would like a ring duplicated, how do I start the process? I only have a picture of the ring.
Thanks for reaching out to Quick Jewelry Repairs! We can definitely help recreate your piece but we must provide a quote for a replication before we can proceed. A quote costs $10 and with that you get an estimated price for labor and materials.
If you would like us to provide a quote, please fill out this link at your earliest convenience and provide as many pictures and angles of your piece, the base metal and stones you’d like the replication to be made from and if you have any other special requests.
https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/custom-made-jewelry/
Hello! I lost a precious ring and wanted to ask about the process of replication and cost of such a project.
Thanks for reaching out to Quick Jewelry Repairs! We can definitely help recreate your piece but we must provide a quote for a replication before we can proceed. A quote costs $10 and with that you get an estimated price for labor and materials.
If you would like us to provide a quote, please fill out this link at your earliest convenience and provide as many pictures and angles of your piece, the base metal and stones you’d like the replication to be made from and if you have any other special requests.
https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/custom-made-jewelry/
I want to replicate a ring that is not in my price range but that do have stones for the settings. Can we do that?
Thanks for reaching out! We can definitely help recreate your piece but we must provide a quote for a replication before we can proceed. A quote costs $10 and with that you get an estimated price for labor and materials.
If you would like us to provide a quote, please fill out this link at your earliest convenience and provide as many pictures and angles of your piece, the base metal and stones you’d like the replication to be made from and if you have any other special requests.
https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/custom-made-jewelry/
Please let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance, I’d be happy to help! 🙂
I was looking into replicating my quinceañera ring that I lost. I really loved the design but unfortunately I was never able to find it anywhere. I’m very interested in getting a replication of it. Please and Thank you.
Thanks for reaching out to Quick Jewelry Repairs! We can definitely help provide a quote for a replication. A quote costs $10 and with that you get an estimated price for labor and materials.
If you would like us to provide a quote, please fill out this link at your earliest convenience and provide as many pictures and angles of your piece, the base metal and stones you’d like the replication to be made from and if you have any other special requests.
https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/custom-made-jewelry/
Can I replicate an old ring
We can definitely help recreate your piece but we must provide a quote for replication before we can move forward. A quote costs $10 and with that you get an estimated price for labor and materials. If you would like us to provide a quote, please fill out this link at your earliest convenience and provide as many pictures and angles of your piece, the base metal and stones you’d like the replication to be made from and if you have any other special requests.
https://quickjewelryrepairs.com/repair/custom-made-jewelry/
Please let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance!
I am recently married and I love my engagement ring but it’s very delicate. I have had one small diamond replaced already and another has fallen out. I added the link to the listing. I want to have my ring repaired, but I also am considering having a replica made and I was curious about the process given that my ring is a combination of metals and there is a salt and pepper diamond in the middle. I would also be interested to know if there is a way to make the ring stronger than it is currently so that stones do not come out as easily.
Hi Laurel, We just reached out to you via email. Hope to hear from you soon!
Hello. I bought a costume jewelry ring and would like it made in 10k gold in a size 8. Can you help me with this?
Hi there, keep an eye out for an email from us!
Showing 20 threads with 41 comments · page 1 of 3