Contemporary die-struck jewelry?

[Circe]

I've been reading the Van Craeynest threads with a little sigh for the passing of an era - I can definitely understand the rational behind moving to casting (and of course prefer to, a) be able to afford a piece or two myself, and, b) to see the company's beautiful designs survive), but ... it still makes me sad. So I've been trying to figure out who else out there does anything resembling this kind of work.

I was impressed to discover Hugh Kohl's site: http://www.hugokohl.com/index.php?p=page&page_id=crafted

I have heard that Memoire and Jabel do die-struck work today ... but in all the examples I've seen, it's for structural integrity, not delicacy of design. I have vague memories of somebody making a claim that Saturn Jewelers die-struck: anybody know for sure?

In terms of older designers: Ostby & Barton, Belais, Lohengrin ... who else?

Would love to hear other people's contributions ....

 

[Dreamer_D]

I do nto have a modern example but would love to hear responses. My engagement setting is die struck and then carved, and because of this method the shank is obscenely delicate -- it is less than 2mm wide and only 1.1mm thick! But strong as an ox it seems. Anyways, I am looking for a wedding band and nothing modern comes even close to those proportions of course. You just cannot go so thin with cast metal. Heck, maybe you shouldn't with die struck either (time will tell). I am looking for a true antique but would love to see modern repros using those methods! Of course, then they cost an arm and a leg...

 

[marymm]

I know Cross Jewelers' Flora and Chantilly Lace rings are die-cast, hand-pierced, hand-engraved - not sure if Cross carries any other die-cast rings.

the Flora - http://www.crossjewelers.com/products/details.asp?ProductID=32


the Chantilly Lace - http://www.crossjewelers.com/products/details.asp?ProductID=52#

 

[cookies]

I believe die-cast (hot molded) is different from die-struck (stamped, i.e. cold forged).

http://www.militarycoins.ws/die_casted_challenge_coins.html

I don't think Cross Jewelers die-strikes or die-casts rings by themselves. I am pretty sure they get such settings from jewelry manufacturers, including Jabel and Van Craeynest. They then set stones in the settings, and sometimes they add custom engraving too. Cross Jewelers does do cast and custom by themselves.

Buccelatti might be using the die-struck method, but I am not sure. Hope some experts will chime in on this.

http://www.buccellati.com/en/start.html

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I know Cross Jewelers' Flora and Chantilly Lace rings are die-cast, hand-pierced, hand-engraved - not sure if Cross carries any other die-cast rings.

I think these are probably Van Craeynest as Cookie mentioned. Cross renames their rings and doesn't always list the maker. They do have some Jabel rings, too.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Somebody here said Stuller's settings are die struck. Obviously that is for sturdiness and not for additional design, but it does make for a more dense ring.

I really want to order a couple of things from VC while they are still being made the old way.

 

[backwardsandinheels]

I am still learning but I discovered Hugo Kohl recently too.
So far I love it. I hate to see old world craftsmanship
not making it. Surely there is a market for these masters...