Hand-Crafted by Artisans

An Intricate Process Requiring Expert Attention

Filigree is a process of jewelry making that dates back to the late 1800s. Many early filigree designs were die-struck or stamped out of flat pieces of metal. The pre-made die would pierce the cut-out designs into the metal. Flat pieces were then curved, shaped and joined together to form rings, earrings and brooches.

Learn More About the Process

View an interactive movie about the Whitehouse Brothers process of crafting fine filigree (recommended for high-speed connections).

The Whitehouse Brothers designs produced today are hand-carved from solid metal castings. Each piece goes through an intricate process — handed from one artisan to the next, receiving expert attention at each step.

	The rough mass of the ring is cast from a mold.
	Stones are selected, metal is determined, the size and shape of the center stone is confirmed.
	The jeweler works the cast ring using tools such as burrs, drills and saws to hand-cut the filigree detailing and to smooth the rough edges.
	The size of the ring is checked and modified as needed.
	Holes are drilled into the mounting for set stones and other engraving.
	The polisher polishes the ring to a high sheen.
	The setter sets the diamonds by positioning each melee cut diamond, then gouging and pushing the metal to create a bead that holds the diamond in place.
	The engraver uses tiny graver tools to carve intricate patterns into the ring.
	The polisher buffs and checks the ring for burrs and defects, then places the ring into an ultrasonic cleaner.
	Platinum and white gold rings are placed into a rhodium bath. Rhodium is part of the platinum family. Rhodium enhances the whiteness of a piece, giving it an even color and brilliant shine.
	Each finished ring is carefully inspected by Joe Vogelsang, owner of Whitehouse Brothers.

Once a mold has been made for a ring, the process of handcrafting a finished ring requires about 4 weeks. Custom orders, requiring concept and design work can require up to 6 months. Please contact your retailer for more information about custom orders.