Artisan process
Handmade jewelry process
Although, of course, there is no single way to make handmade jewelry, there are some main factors common to all types of handmade production:
- Design
- Raw materials
- Tools
- Time
One depends on the other. The previous factor inevitably conditions the next, creating a perpetual cycle.
If you work with metals, for example, the chemical properties of copper will never be the same as those of silver, and from there you have to adapt your design to what is really feasible, choose the right tools, take into account the different production and soldering times, and so on.
Or, if you want to make handmade jewelry with a ceramic material, as is the case with Balarmú, you should keep in mind that if you use a low-temperature clay, such as terracotta, neither the process nor the requirements are the same as when you use, for example, stoneware or porcelain, which are instead high-temperature.
There will be different firing times, temperature levels, number of firings, different porosity, type of glazes, and of course the final result will be completely different.
So that you can understand everything clearly and vividly, we will tell you about our specific experience so that you can virtually participate in our handmade jewelry making process.
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1. Hands in the porcelain
Fingers and craft tools to start modeling porcelain according to the design of each collection.
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2. Details & holes
Before the first air drying, it is time to check the lines, add details and apply the holes.
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3. Touch-ups and brush
Fingers, brushes, and water to smooth surfaces, inspect, define shapes, and correct mistakes.
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4. Sandpaper and sponge
Patience and delicacy for polishing, resizing with sandpaper and porcelain sponges.
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5. Firings
Once enameled, it is time to fire the piece: once or twice, depending on the desired finish, and at a minimum of 1200°.
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6. Colors and magnifier
Paints, brushes, music, a magnifying glass, and lots and lots of attention to detail. It's time to paint and color the creation.
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7. Third fire
Another firing - the "third fire" - to bring to life the colors applied to the glazed piece.
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8. Cleaning and testing
After all the craftsmanship, it is time for the cleaning and careful testing of the piece.
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9. Mountings
Jeweler's pliers and magnifying glass: It is time to check the piece one last time and to apply the hypoallergenic findings.
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10. Packaging and shipping
We put your jewelry in sustainable packaging, label and...oh, I won't spoil your surprise ;)
