Production Techniques

Electroforming is a technique that has been used by TOUS for more than 20 years, the result of a large investment into innovative new technologies. It allows for the creation of larger, lightweight, quality pieces without the need for soldering. Through a chemical electrolysis process, the particles of precious metal are deposited on a base, which is removed once the piece of jewelry is finished. Only 18 kt gold (750/000 gold) and sterling silver (925/000 silver) is used to create designs from 180 microns thick for gold and 300 microns for silver.

Casting is the most frequently used method in TOUS’ workshops and in the jewelry industry in general. A liquid wax is injected into a rubber mold and, once cold, is covered with plaster. Then, the plaster cast is placed in a centrifuge where metal, usually gold or silver, is injected to replace the wax, creating the desired piece of jewelry.

The sintering process allows the production of pieces with complex geometries. It consists of a laser that melts thin layers of metal powder to create a digitally designed figure. The program divides the 3D model into layers and a moving arm places a thin layer of atomized metal powder on a platform, while a laser melts the areas where the 3D model indicates that a part of the piece should be. The arm then passes through again to deposit another layer of powder, and so on until the final piece is created. This technique is limited by the metal. Only gold, titanium and platinum can be sintered. Collections like Real Sissy and some of the Teddy Bear bears have been created using the sintering process.

There is a multitude of different machining processes and techniques that enable jewellery to be made quickly and easily, although they always require a skilled artisan for the perfect finish.