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OgilvieGems Guide

What Happens After Cad Approval

After approving your CAD design, your custom ring moves into production stages where it is carefully crafted, set, polished, and inspected to ensure perfection. Once you have approved your CAD design, the process transitions from digital visualization to physical creation. This marks an important phase where your chosen design, stone, and metal combination begin their journey into a tangible piece of jewellery. First, production planning organizes the workflow to match the approved design specifics, including structural requirements and metal type. This is followed by 3D printing or wax model creation, allowing the artisan team to cast the metal precisely according to your design. Casting transforms the wax or printed model into the actual metal form. From there, the ring undergoes expert manufacturing, including fine detailing and initial shaping. Stone setting is a critical step ensuring that your selected gemstones are securely and beautifully placed, maintaining safety and brilliance. Polishing and finishing enhance the ring's luster while preserving proportion and wearability. Throughout production, stringent quality control measures confirm structural integrity, craftsmanship precision, and design fidelity before final documentation and delivery. At this stage, changes become more difficult since the piece moves beyond the editable digital file into physical form. Understanding these steps helps you anticipate key milestones and maintain confidence in the quality and care devoted to your custom jewellery. OgilvieGems ensures transparency and support throughout, so you know what to expect after CAD approval.

Post-CAD Approval: Step-by-Step Journey

After you approve the CAD design, your custom jewellery enters a carefully orchestrated production process. Each stage ensures your design is faithfully transformed into a beautiful and durable piece.

01

Production Planning

Detailed preparation aligns all materials, design files, and workshop schedules to your approved CAD specifications, ensuring smooth progression through the manufacturing phases.

02

3D Printing or Wax Model Creation

A precise 3D printed or wax model of your design is produced. This serves as the template for casting, capturing every detail and ensuring an accurate final shape.

03

Casting and Metal Formation

Using the printed or wax model, casting melts and molds the chosen metal, creating the basic ring structure ready for refinement and finishing.

04

Stone Setting and Polishing

After casting, skilled artisans securely set your gemstones and polish the ring, enhancing brilliance while maintaining structural integrity and wearability.

Key Points to Understand After CAD Approval

Knowing the critical facets of production helps manage expectations from approval to final delivery, maximizing your satisfaction with the process and final piece.

01

Changes Are Limited

Once production begins, alterations to design, stones, or metal become difficult or impossible without restarting the process.

02

Quality Control Is Crucial

Each stage is inspected to confirm structural strength, setting security, polish quality, and fidelity to your approved design.

03

Manufacturing Takes Time

Typically, production including casting, setting, and finishing can take around 15 to 20 working days, depending on complexity and stone sourcing.

04

Documentation and Warranty Come Last

Your ring will be accompanied by relevant jewellery documentation and warranty registration ensuring long-term support and authenticity.

Guidance for Buyers After CAD Approval

After approving your CAD design, it is important to stay communicative and attentive to production updates. Confirming your contact details and preferred delivery or collection method ensures smooth handover when the ring is finished.

Understand that the craftsmanship phase is detailed and time-intensive. Patience at this stage helps the artisans focus on quality rather than speed, resulting in a superior final product.

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Confirm Final Details Early

Ensure costume specifications such as metal type and stone selection are final before approval to avoid delays.

Ask About Production Timeline

Request an estimated production completion date so you can plan collection or delivery accordingly.

Prepare for Stone Setting

Recognize that the secure setting of stones is critical for durability and appearance; expert craftsmanship is involved here.

Production Stage Comparison

Understand how different post-CAD steps impact your ring’s creation and final quality.

01

3D Printing Model

Best For: Capturing exact design details for complex shapes

Risk: Requires accuracy in CAD files; design flaws carry into casting

OgilvieGems Guidance: OgilvieGems performs digital checks to minimize defects before printing

02

Casting Metal Form

Best For: Producing structural ring body with required metal and size

Risk: Possible casting imperfections or porosity if unchecked

OgilvieGems Guidance: OgilvieGems uses strict casting inspection and rework processes

03

Stone Setting

Best For: Securing stones safely to enhance brilliance and durability

Risk: Poor setting risks stone loss or damage

OgilvieGems Guidance: OgilvieGems master craftsmen ensure precise, secure setting

04

Polishing & Finishing

Best For: Giving final surface smoothness and shine

Risk: Excessive polishing can alter proportions or cause wear

OgilvieGems Guidance: OgilvieGems balances shine with lasting wearability

Common Mistakes After CAD Approval and How to Avoid Them

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure a smooth handover and satisfaction with your custom ring.

01

Requesting design changes after casting begins

Finalize all design details thoroughly before CAD approval to prevent costly revisions.

02

Neglecting communication during production

Stay in contact with your jeweller for updates and immediate assistance.

03

Assuming immediate delivery after finishing

Plan for quality control and documentation times before expecting delivery or collection.

04

Ignoring warranty registration deadlines

Register your warranty promptly after receipt to ensure coverage.

Proof of Craftsmanship and Client Trust

OgilvieGems stands behind every custom piece through quality craftsmanship, transparent processes, and proven customer satisfaction.

01

Founder-Led Quality Assurance

Duncan Alan Ogilvie personally guides design and production, embedding accountability and craftsmanship integrity in every piece.

02

Extensive Quality Control

Every ring undergoes multiple inspection stages, from casting to final polish, to guarantee structure, finish, and stone security.

03

Trusted Client Reviews

Thousands of clients across South Africa praise communication, craftsmanship accuracy, and design fidelity, underpinning our reputation.

04

Detailed Jewellery Documentation

Clients receive comprehensive documentation and warranty registration aiding insurance and future servicing.

Buyer’s Checklist After CAD Approval

Use this checklist to stay informed and proactive during your ring’s production phase.

01

Review and confirm the approved CAD design and specifications

02

Understand that changes after approval are limited and costly

03

Ask for an estimated timeline for production completion

04

Stay accessible for production progress updates

05

Clarify your delivery or collection preferences early

06

Familiarize yourself with the warranty coverage and terms

07

Maintain realistic expectations regarding natural stone and metal variances

08

Prepare questions regarding aftercare and servicing

09

Keep copies of all documentation and certificates provided

10

Schedule servicing or inspection if required post-delivery

What Happens After Cad Approval FAQ

Can I make changes after approving the CAD design?

After CAD approval, changes become very limited because the design moves into physical production. Major changes may require restarting the process and additional costs.

What are the next steps after CAD approval?

The approved design moves into production planning, 3D printing or wax model creation, casting, manufacturing, stone setting, polishing, quality control, and final documentation.

How long does manufacturing take after CAD approval?

Most custom jewellery production takes approximately 15 to 20 working days depending on design complexity and stone availability.

Can I see my ring before it is finished?

You will typically receive progress updates and photos during production, but the first full view is usually after polishing and stone setting.

What if I notice a problem after receiving my ring?

Contact OgilvieGems promptly. Warranty applies to confirmed manufacturing defects, and issues will be assessed and addressed accordingly.

Does OgilvieGems provide certification with the ring?

Jewellery documentation or retail certificates are provided where applicable. Around 90% of stones may have certificates depending on stone type, origin, and size.

What does the warranty cover after production?

The warranty covers manufacturing defects such as metal faults and setting issues, but excludes normal wear, accidental damage, or unauthorized repairs.

How will the ring be delivered after production?

Rings can be collected in person by appointment or shipped securely via trusted courier services nationally and internationally where applicable.

Can I request a rush on the production timeline?

Production times are set to ensure quality. Rush requests may be possible but could incur additional fees and are handled case-by-case.

What should I do to prepare for ring collection?

Confirm your personal details, preferred delivery or collection method, and ensure warranty registration is completed within the recommended timeframe.

Ready to Start Your Custom Jewellery Journey?

Begin with a design you love and let OgilvieGems guide you from CAD approval through to the flawless finishing of your personalised piece. Request a quote today and experience craftsmanship you can trust.

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Last Updated: 2 June 2026