Once the piece is designed, the process starts with
wax patterns which are shot using vacuum wax injectors to assure
superlative wax impressions. Each wax is carefully inspected and then
"treed up." There are usually 50-100 pieces per tree. Flasks are
"burned out" over night with the assistance of a computerized ramping
system which allows for a gradual rise and fall of temperatures in the
kiln.
The wax pattern then
becomes a ring. The wax was melted out of the flask during the night
and an impression was left. This impression was filled with molten
metal utilizing one of two methods of casting. The first methods
employs a vacuum casting system and the second is with centrifugal
force. The method used is determined by the nature of the piece. These
pieces will be clipped from the tree and then each piece is weighed.
The items are then sent to our finishing department where they will
begin to look like pieces of jewelry.
One of the most crucial steps in the manufacturing process is the
sorting and matching diamonds. If one of the diamonds doesn't match,
the whole "look" of the piece is ruined. We don't just "count out" like
most other manufacturers do. We take the time to inspect each and every
diamond that goes into our merchandise. We inspect for color, purity,
and size.
Now it is time to
grind off the sprue area and smooth out any rough places. We will use a
sanding belt and a rubberized abrasive wheel to do this. Then the
inside is sanded using sanding strips on an arbor. After that is done,
we stamp our trademark (SCD or StarCraft) on the inside. After the
pieces have been de-sprued, sanded, and trademarked, they go into
tumbling. We use stainless steel burnishing shot along with our "secret
formula" of burnishing liquid. We usually tumble ten pounds of rings
per cycle.
Every piece of
jewelry is pre-polished after tumbling using muslin buffs. This is done
primarily to brighten the areas that will be hard to reach after the
stone setting is completed. The inside of the ring is also buffed at
this point in the process. The sides and other flat surfaces of each
piece are carefully lapped to give a nice machined finish.
Once the piece gets to the setting department, it is almost finished.
The prongs must be cut to allow for a seat for the diamond or stone.
After the prongs are pushed over, they are "cupped" to make them
smooth. Each piece is carefully brushed and buffed in the final polish
stage using red rouge. This is the stage that gives the final luster to
the item.
After all the
polishing is finished, the merchandise is placed in an ultrasonic
cleaner and then rinsed. The piece is steamed and allowed to dry. One
of the last stages in rhodium plating. We will either dip or pen plate
areas that have miracle diamond trims to give a bright, white look. The
piece will once again be rinsed and steamed. Now it is finished and
ready to be bagged and sent to the customer or entered into our own
stock.
StarCraft is a manufacturer, not just a wholesaler. Most companies
don't make their own merchandise. They buy finished goods from many
different sources and resell to you with their markup. At StarCraft, we
are in control of every element of the manufacturing process, so you
can be sure you are getting the best -- without paying more than is
necessary. We import our loose diamonds directly from the major cutting
centers around the world and pass that savings on to you. We take great
pride in our quality and service. We use only the most advanced
machinery and technology available to us. Our exclusive StarCast system
means you get a superior casing and a superior finished product.
StarCraft can respond quicklly when you need merchandise. Whether it be
a $100 order or a $100,000 order. Our own large inventory is
scrutinized daily to assure we have what you need when you need it.
With our dedicated staff and total control over jewelry production, we
give you timely personal service without fuss or hassle. Our
knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist you when you need help.
Our advanced ordering system and quick delivery of merchandise has
helped make us into one of the most admired jewelry manufacturers in
the country. We are committed to giving our cusotmers the best service
possible. |