Our Process

The die struck process, also known as die striking or die stamping, is a method used in jewelry manufacturing to create intricate designs and patterns on metal surfaces. It is commonly employed in the production of items such as coins, medals, badges, and high-quality jewelry pieces. Here's an overview of the die struck process:

Design Creation: The first step in the die struck process involves designing the desired pattern or design to be imprinted on the metal. This design is typically created by a skilled artist or an experienced jeweler using specialized software or by hand.
Die Preparation: Once the design is finalized, it is transferred onto a master die. A master die is typically made of steel and contains the negative impression of the desired design. The master die is carefully crafted by skilled artisans using precision tools and techniques.
Metal Selection and Preparation: The metal used for the die struck process is typically a precious metal such as gold, silver, platinum, or palladium. The metal is carefully selected and prepared, ensuring it is of high quality and suitable for the desired outcome.
Die Striking Process: The prepared metal blank is placed between two dies—the master die and a counter die. The dies are typically made of hardened steel and have the same shape and size but opposite impressions. The metal blank is positioned on the counter die, and the master die is brought down with significant force using a hydraulic or mechanical press. This pressure causes the metal to flow into the recesses of the master die, resulting in the desired design being imprinted onto the metal surface.
Finishing and Detailing: After the initial die striking process, the metal piece undergoes various finishing and detailing steps. These can include polishing, cleaning, and refining the design by removing any excess metal or imperfections.
Additional Steps: Depending on the desired outcome and design complexity, additional steps such as engraving, stone setting, and polishing may be required.

The die struck process allows for the creation of precise and detailed designs on metal surfaces. It requires skilled craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the use of specialized tools and equipment. The resulting jewelry or metal item showcases the beauty and intricacy of the design, making it highly valued in the jewelry and commemorative industries.

Our Die Striking Process

PREPARATION OF METAL:

Each Whitehouse piece of jewelry begins as raw material. Pure Platinum, Gold and alloy are melted to form an ingot, which is then rolled into sheets or drawn into wire. This simple form of metal working is the essential part to ensuring the integrity of Whitehouse Brothers jewelry. The basic materials of wire and sheet are used as the first step to create our die struck and handmade jewelry.

DIE STRIKING:

Every Whitehouse Brothers' piece of jewelry is manufactured using the die striking process. Hundreds of special dies have been handmade in our shop over the past 120+ years. Our precious metal sheet is forged into dies under many tons of pressure to shape and form rings the components of our engagement and wedding rings.

Whitehouse Brothers is one of few jewelry firms still manufacturing using the die striking method. This process produces a product that is far superior to the industry standard of casting. Die striking metal under extreme pressure creates a product 33% stronger and more dense than a casting. The benefit is a longer lasting product, secure settings for diamonds and gemstones, and a mirror-like luster unobtainable by other methods.

ASSEMBLY:

A Whitehouse Brothers piece of jewelry will begin to take form during hand assembly by our craftspeople. Filigree details are pierced using saw blades as small as a human hair. Each die struck component is individually polished to achieve the highest finish inside and out. Welding and soldering techniques are used to assemble the blank shape from many parts. After assembly, the blank will be filed, sanded, and polished to a fine finish, creating the palette for the diamond setter and engraver to create their masterwork.

SETTING:

Whitehouse Brothers specializes in very fine setting of diamonds and gemstones. Using small cutting tools, known as gravers, precious metal is carved to form the setting work for each stone. Carved areas around the stones are known as bright cuts. The mirror finish of a bright-cut reflects light towards your eye, enhancing the appearance of diamonds and gemstones. Fine hand setting is an integral part of producing a well-made piece of jewelry.

ENGRAVING:

Engravers finish the details of each piece of Whitehouse Brothers jewelry. The shape and style of our rings are embellished with bright cut designs and patterns by an engraving artist. Hand-cut borders around the work take shape as rows of small beads, known as milgrain. The engraver completes the artistic composition by tying all components of shape, piercing, and setting together.

FINISHING:

A final polish is applied as the last detail, bright areas are polished to the highest finish attainable. The final product is a piece of jewelry that feels and appears like no other. Whitehouse Brothers jewelry has the quality and glowing luster that only 120+ years of manufacturing fine jewelry can create.