A buyer in Boston approved a 3D render of a three-stone ring, signed off, and got the cast piece back three weeks later with the two side stones sitting visibly lower than the center. The render had shown them level. The CAD model had them level. The problem was that the buyer had only checked the face-up view, where the side stones read level from above, and not the profile view, where the seat depth difference was visible. A 3D design proof is only useful if the buyer knows what to check on it.
We send every custom order as a 3D render with two camera angles plus a measurement overlay. Below is the checklist we walk buyers through before they sign off on production.
What the render does and does not show
A render is a photographic 3D output. It shows proportions, stone size, head height, band width and finish. It does not show wall thickness, seat depth or internal metal geometry; those live in the CAD file. Buyers who try to judge wall thickness from a render will always be wrong. We reference IGI's grading vocabulary for the stone descriptions that ride on the render, since moissanite is graded to IGI standards rather than GIA diamond standards. Our sketch-to-CAD write-up explains what the CAD model carries that the render does not.
We include a measurement overlay on every render: band width, head height off the finger, stone mm, and overall setting height. Buyers compare the overlay to the spec sheet they signed at intake. If a number on the overlay does not match the spec sheet, that is a free correction, not a paid revision, because the CAD file has not yet been released. We ask buyers to flag mismatched numbers on the same email that approves the render, so we can correct the file before casting rather than after.
Four checks every buyer should run
We ask buyers to run four checks before they approve:
- Face-up proportions: does the stone look right relative to the band? A stone that looks too large on the render will look the same on the finger.
- Profile seat depth: look at the 45-degree profile. Are all stones in the same plane? This is the check the Boston buyer skipped.
- Head height off the finger: measure the gap under the stone. A gap under 1.5 mm catches on knuckles; over 3.5 mm makes the stone wobble.
- Finish and gallery: are the prongs the right count? Is the gallery open (light through the stone) or closed (darker, more protective)?
Our renders vs photos guide explains why a render is more reliable than a stock photo for a custom piece.
What can change in revision two
We include two render revisions in the deposit. In revision two, buyers can change: head height, band width, prong count (within the same stone size), finish, and side-stone placement. Buyers cannot change stone size or shape without a paid CAD revision (USD 35), because that reopens the seat engineering. Buyers who want a finger-worn simulation ask for it in revision two, not revision one.
Approval in writing: what we require
We require a written approval email with the words "approved for production" and a confirmation of the spec sheet. A verbal okay or a thumbs-up in chat does not release the order. Once the file is released, any change reopens the CAD stage and restarts the 18 to 22 day lead time. Our QC checks guide lists what happens after approval.
Common mistakes buyers make on the proof
The three most common: approving only the face-up view; asking for a new stone size on revision three (paid); and changing the band width after the file is released. We flag each of these on the render PDF with a small note, so the buyer sees it before they sign. Buyers who walk through the four checks above on revision one rarely need a second round at all.
How many angles does the render include?
Two: a straight face-up and a 45-degree profile. A finger-worn simulation is available on revision two.
What is a paid CAD revision?
USD 35 per round, triggered by a stone size or shape change after revision two. Head height, band width and finish changes are included in the two free rounds.
Can I approve the render over chat?
No. We require a written approval email with "approved for production" and the spec sheet confirmed.
What happens if I find a defect after casting?
We cover manufacturing defects under our QC guarantee. Cosmetic changes requested after approval are not defects; those are paid revisions.
Do you send the CAD file with the render?
No. The CAD file is our manufacturing property; the buyer receives the render and the measurement overlay.
Send us the reference photo and the spec sheet. We return the two-angle render with the measurement overlay within seven working days. Request your 3D design proof today.
Gemstone grading terminology used here follows the Gemological Institute of America’s gem encyclopedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a factory before placing a bulk order?
Request a production video, business license, export records and a paid sample run. A factory that accepts a 50-piece test order is usually a real manufacturer.
What payment terms do you offer?
30% T/T deposit with the balance against the bill of lading. This protects both sides on first orders and can move to net terms after a track record.
What is your normal reject rate?
3–5% under 10x loupe inspection for cast and set pieces. Defective units are replaced free in the next shipment.
Where is the factory located?
Wuzhou, Guangxi, China—the core lab-grown and moissanite manufacturing cluster. Shipments go via Guangzhou or Shenzhen ports.
