The Basics
You have a jewellery design — maybe a sketch on paper, a reference image from Instagram, or a proper 3D CAD file. You want it made in real gold or silver. Dubai Gold Souq is one of the best places in the world to do this, because the entire manufacturing chain exists within walking distance.
Here is how the process works, from design to finished piece.
Step 1: Prepare Your Design
The clearer your design, the faster and cheaper the process. There are three starting points:
If you have a CAD file (fastest)
This is the ideal scenario. A 3D file goes straight to the printer with minimal back-and-forth. Accepted formats:
- STL — the most common mesh format
- 3DM — Rhino/Grasshopper files
- OBJ — universal 3D mesh
- STEP / IGES — solid model formats
If your file is ready, you can send it on WhatsApp for a free printability review.
If you have a sketch or reference photo
A jewellery CAD designer can model your design from a clear sketch or reference image. Many Dubai-based freelancers and studios offer this service. Expect 1-3 days for CAD work depending on complexity.
What helps the designer:
- Front and side views of the design
- Approximate dimensions (ring size, pendant width, etc.)
- Notes on stone placement if applicable
- Reference to a similar existing piece if one exists
If you just have an idea
Start by writing down what you want: the type of piece (ring, pendant, bangle), approximate size, metal preference, and any design elements that matter to you. A good workshop can guide you from there — but expect more iterations and longer timelines.
Step 2: File Review and Printability Check
Once there is a 3D file, the workshop reviews it before printing. This is not optional — it catches problems that would ruin the piece during casting.
What gets checked:
- Wall thickness — thin sections crack when cast. Each metal has minimum safe thicknesses.
- Support structures — where the model needs support during printing
- Printability — overhangs, fragile connections, impossible geometry
- Casting readiness — sprue placement, metal flow paths, burnout compatibility
A good workshop tells you exactly what needs fixing and why. If the changes are minor (non-manifold edges, slightly thin walls), they can usually fix it in-house.
Step 3: Wax Model Printing (3D / CAM Printing)
Your approved file is printed as a wax model using a high-resolution 3D printer (this is what the industry calls CAM printing). The wax model is a precise physical copy of your digital design.
Key facts:
- Resolution: 25 microns — fine enough for prong detail
- Material: Castable wax or resin
- Turnaround: 24 hours from approval
- What you get: A physical wax model you can inspect before committing to casting
At this stage, you can hold the piece, check proportions, and approve it before any metal is used.
Learn more about 3D jewellery printing →
Step 4: Casting
The wax model is invested in a plaster mould, burned out, and replaced with molten metal. This is the lost wax casting process, and it has been the industry standard for thousands of years — now with better temperature control and vacuum assistance.
Available metals (typical for Dubai workshops):
- Gold: 10K, 14K, 18K, 21K, 22K
- Silver: 925 Sterling
Turnaround: 24-48 hours after wax approval.
The casting determines the final weight of your piece. Since gold is priced by weight, this is when the cost becomes concrete.
Learn more about jewellery casting →
Step 5: Finishing
After casting, the piece needs finishing work:
- Cleanup — removing sprues (the channels where metal entered the mould)
- Polishing — getting the surface to the desired finish (high polish, matte, satin, etc.)
- Stone setting — if your design includes diamonds or gems
- Quality check — weight verification, visual inspection, hallmarking
Finishing adds 1-2 days depending on complexity and stone work.
Timeline Summary
| Stage | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CAD file to printable | 0 days (if file is ready) | 1-3 days if CAD needs to be created |
| File review | Same day | Free at most workshops |
| Wax printing | 24 hours | From approved file |
| Casting | 24-48 hours | From approved wax |
| Finishing + stones | 1-2 days | Depends on complexity |
| Total (with CAD file) | 3-5 working days | Faster for simple pieces |
What Does Custom Jewellery Cost?
The cost has several components:
- CAD design (if needed) — varies by designer and complexity
- Wax printing — depends on size and quantity
- Metal cost — gold weight × market rate on the day of casting
- Making/casting charges — the workshop fee for casting and finishing
- Stone costs (if applicable)
The metal cost is the largest component for gold pieces. Since gold prices change daily, the final cost is confirmed when you approve casting.
For a detailed breakdown of making charges: Gold Making Charges Explained →
Tips for a Smooth Custom Order
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Start with the best file you can. A clean CAD file saves days of back-and-forth and gives you the most control over the final result.
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Ask for the wax model before casting. Any good workshop will show you the printed wax before committing to metal. Check proportions, ring fit, and detail at this stage — changes are cheap in wax, expensive in gold.
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Understand minimum wall thickness. Jewellery that looks beautiful on screen can be unprintable or uncastable if walls are too thin. Trust the workshop's feedback on this — they have cast thousands of pieces.
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Factor in gold weight. A heavier design costs more in metal. If budget matters, discuss weight targets with your designer before CAD work begins.
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Choose your workshop carefully. Look for in-house printing and casting (not outsourced), fast turnaround, and willingness to explain the process. A workshop that manufactures on-site can fix problems the same day. One that outsources adds days and communication layers.
Ready to Start?
If you have a design file ready, the fastest way to begin is to send it for a free review:
If you are still in the design phase, message us and we can point you in the right direction for CAD work that is compatible with our printing and casting setup.
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