A buyer in Lyon approved a render, paid the balance, and then asked why the piece took three weeks to arrive when the "3D print" was done in a day. The render and the CAD model are not the finished ring. Between CAD and the shipping box there are seven manufacturing steps, each with its own lead time. Below is the line we walk buyers through so they understand what the 18 to 22 days actually covers.
This is the production side of a custom moissanite order: what happens after the render is approved and before the piece is QC'd.
Step 1: CAD to wax (SLA printing)
The approved CAD file is sent to a 3D printer that builds a wax model by stereolithography. The wax model is the exact shape of the finished ring, including the seat and the prongs. This takes one to two working days. The wax is not a prototype; it is the pattern that will be burned out. Our sketch-to-CAD write-up covers the CAD side that feeds this step.
Step 2: Investment casting (lost wax)
The wax is attached to a sprue and encased in a plaster-like investment flask. The flask goes into a kiln, the wax burns out, leaving a hollow mould. Molten 14K or 925 sterling is centrifuged into the mould. This is the lost-wax process. It takes two to three working days, including cooling. The cast piece is a rough ring with a sprue attached; it is not finished.
We reference lost-wax casting practice as the standard manufacturing method for custom jewelry; it is the same process used across the jewelry trade.
Step 3: Stone setting and finishing
The sprue is cut off, the ring is filed and polished, and the moissanite is set by hand. Prongs are tipped, the seat is checked, and the stone is tightened. This is the longest step: five to seven working days for a single ring, because setting is hand work. Our prong vs bezel guide explains which setting style is faster and which is more durable.
Step 4: Plating and rhodium
White-gold and sterling pieces get a rhodium flash. This is a plating step, not part of the alloy, and it wears over 12 to 18 months. We note this on the QC sheet. Rhodium takes one to two working days, including drying. Yellow and rose gold skip this step. Our silver vs gold guide lists which pieces are plated. Buyers who need a non-plated white finish can spec platinum or palladium alloy, which we cast in a separate batch because the metal is more expensive and the kiln schedule is reserved.
Step 5: QC and packing
Every piece is inspected against the spec sheet: stone mm, band width, finish, prong tightness, and the lab report. We take face-up and profile QC photos, then pack the piece with the report and the packing slip. This takes one to two working days. Our QC checks guide lists the inspection line items. Buyers who want a video of the piece on a finger form can request it at this step, at no extra charge.
The clock: 18 to 22 days broken down
Adding the steps up: wax printing 1-2, casting 2-3, setting 5-7, plating 1-2, QC 1-2, plus sprue removal and polishing 3-5. Total: 13 to 21 working days, plus shipping. The 18 to 22 day estimate is the midpoint. Rush orders compress the setting and QC steps by running them in parallel, which is why the rush surcharge is 25%. Buyers who need a sample for a trade show should plan backwards from the show date and add a five-day buffer for international freight, because the lead time above stops at the shipping box, not at the buyer's door.
How long does wax printing take?
One to two working days from the approved CAD file. The wax model is the pattern that gets burned out.
Is the cast piece ready to ship?
No. The cast piece has a sprue, rough surfaces and no stone. Setting, finishing and plating take another 10 to 14 days.
Why does stone setting take so long?
It is hand work. Each prong is tipped, the seat is checked, and the stone is tightened. Five to seven days is standard for a single custom ring.
Is rhodium plating part of the metal alloy?
No. It is a surface flash that wears in 12 to 18 months. We note it on the QC sheet so buyers disclose it correctly.
Can a rush order cut the lead time in half?
Not in half. Rush compresses setting and QC by running them in parallel, typically cutting 4 to 5 days, at a 25% surcharge.
Send us the approved render and the spec sheet. We return the piece through all five steps and ship with QC photos. Start your custom moissanite production today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the custom OEM process work?
Send a reference, sketch or CAD file. We quote, produce a 3D render, then a wax or resin model for approval before casting. Nothing goes to bulk without written sign-off.
How long does a custom sample take?
About 20 days for a new CAD model, including one revision round. Repeat designs reuse the existing mold and ship in 3–5 days.
What is the custom MOQ?
100–300 pieces per design depending on the mold and stone setting complexity.
Do you sign NDAs for private label?
Yes. Private-label clients get an NDA and exclusive mold use for the agreed term.
