Stone fixing

In order to convey the unique style of Van Cleef & Arpels, filigree work is required to fix the stones, while the actions of the wizard must be consistent and extremely accurate. Fixers require incredible skill, accuracy and attention to detail, as the products must be perfect to the smallest detail, even if these parts remain hidden forever.

Shtikhel - a cutting tool that has been constantly improved over the centuries - today allows the master to carry out his work to the nearest millimeter. Behind the appearance of the locking hammers and their small size hides a lot of power. Manual embossments and clamps, the history of which dates back to the time of the first jewelry artisans, serve to fix items. The milling machine is designed so that the engraving process is performed on the side of the tool, and not on its upper part; Thus, a gradual attrition of the material occurs, and not its destruction. Wahsbein - a small wooden rod with a piece of wax in the form of a cone tightly planted on its working end - helps to plant small stones in the nest of the rim.

All these are the main tools of the master fixer, who uses them to fix gems in gold or platinum products. His role is one of the key: he is responsible for the strength and accuracy of fixing the stone in the product, for the perfect execution of corners and krapans that hold the precious insert, as well as for reconstructing the shape according to the designer’s idea.

The installer receives the stones themselves from the workshop, where they were selected on the basis of sketches, models and the final versions of the drawings. This allows the House to purchase the right amount of stones of the required size. The fixer’s list of duties also includes a thorough inspection of the entire product: he checks every stone, every facet of it to make sure everything is done at the highest level worthy of the quality of Van Cleef & Arpels House.

Watch the video: StoneClip Installation (March 2024).