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We design 14K vermeil and moissanite jewelry for the modern women. from low-impact materials, rescued deadstock fabrics, and repurposed vintage clothing. Ref products are designed, shot, and shipped at our facilities in Los Angeles.
Real impact doesn’t start and end with us alone. We only work with vetted partners, who share our values and meet our standards of accountability to climate change and commitment to unsurpassed quality of our jewelry.
DIGITAL TRIDIMENSIONAL PROCESS
From the final hand-drawn sketches of every piece, the digital design team generates a 3D model with the support of specialized software. Is at that stage where we set the final details and technical features of the jewel.
MOLDING: In order to materialize the piece, we start printing every part of the jewel with high precision 3D printers, with wax as the base material. Afterwards, the negative of this impression is set in silicon, becoming the prime design mould. We refill this mould with wax in order to replicate the piece and we replicate this step as many times as the number of pieces we plan to produce.
THE WAX TREE: Once the wax pieces are replicated, we build what we call the tree: multiple wax pieces branched and attached to a central pillar. We insert the tree in a circular container and then we fill it with cast. We finally set this container in an oven where cast dries and wax melts. The result: a negative shape of the tree in cast, that we fill again with melted 925 sterling silver soon hardened.
CARVING: Once silver is finally solidified, the cast is carefully removed. Then we carve the tree pieces with a pressurized water jet. We hand polish every piece for the first time to get solid silver bodies. This is a unique moment: a jewel fragment is born.
POLISHING AND PLATING: When the raw silver pieces are ready, we start the polishing stage divided into three phases: First of all, we generally use wet slate slices to remove big surface imperfections. Secondly, we remove the possible scratches generated by the slate with linen and cotton wheels. To conclude the polish phase, we use a wet brush for the final finishing. If the design requires it, we plate the piece in 18 karat gold and we let it dry.
SETTING & ASSEMBLY: At the final stage, we set by hand all the semi-precious stones and zirconias with the help of high precision tools. Finally, we assemble all the parts of the jewel using the soldier or by manual assembly through small rings.
QUALITY CONTROL: Once all the pieces of the production are finished, the quality department performs an exhaustive piece by piece visual and tactile control, as well as a use test with a sample of each production which is then melted again to reuse the material. Finally, we insert each jewel in an airtight bag that protects it during storage.
Our objective is to conduct business at the highest level of ethical standards. In addition to abiding state and local requirements, all our vendors, factories and subcontractors are expected to cooperate fully in accordance with our ever-expanding Code Of Conduct.
And it’s not just pen to paper. Together, with our partners, we’re taking meaningful action to better our supply chain. Through certified third parties, we conduct objective and measurable audits on how we’re doing. Then we implement new and improved measures to continuously heighten the expectations of ourselves and the industry. We make leading the way look good.
