Portrait on Gold Technology Outline
Engraving
This is an actual engraving upon the charm, not an application, scorching, oxidation or chemical application. It is part of the charm itself, contains no chemicals, produces the most accurate likeness and is highly resistant to wear. We developed the engraving technology from our initial beginnings of 6,000 DPI (Dots per inch). We have since been able to raise the engraving resolution to over 22,500 DPI (Far in excess of current laser technology of 13,000 to 15,000 DPI) with varying depths of engraving to 256 levels, for accurate grey scale resolution.
Photo Etching
This process treats gold as a photographic plate. The gold is processed using an acid which erodes the positive from a negative. We discarded this because it is inefficient from a cost and time standpoint.
Chemical Treatment
This bonds a chemical to the gold charm. While it produces an excellent likeness, we refused this because we were uncomfortable with chemicals next to the customer's skin.
Laser Engraving
Engraving is a misnomer and is incorrect, as the process does not engrave, but burns an image on the gold. This was eliminated by us when we ran some comparison tests. Also, we found the image to be devoid of depth and limited in resolution to between 13,000 to 15,000 DPI.
Information Sheet Portrait on Gold 14kt Charm
Your Personal Jewelry Own Design is a jewelry manufacturer who developed this process for placing portraits on gold. This is a blend of technology and fine jewelry craftsmanship. The process is an engraving, the photograph is engraved on the surface of the charm. This is not a chemical bonding and there are no chemicals. We offer a high level of resolution with 22,500 DPI (Dots Per Inch) 256 different depths or levels of engraving for half tone resolution. For further information see the attached sheet marked Technical Information.
Order Sequence 1. Item is displayed 2. Customer selects a charm and places order and photograph in the pre addressed postage paid envelope 3. Your Personal Jewelry Own Design returns the photograph and finished charm within Twenty Four (24) hours of receipt. Allow at least two weeks from the time the store mails the photograph to allow for time in mailing, shipping and handling.
Application The graphic artists at Your Personal Jewelry Own Design will remove the background, orient the photograph to the charm, moving the subjects if necessary and make any necessary enhancements of the photograph to maximize resolution. We receive photographs of children and grandchildren, couples, girlfriends, boyfriend and all members of the family, in groups or singles. Additionally we receive photographs of the family pet, (In Kentucky this sometimes is a horse) vacation pictures, sporting trophies and children's crayon drawings.
Occasions We receive photographs for charms throughout the year for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, newborns, graduations, confirmations and vacations. Additionally it makes a perfect gift for the traditional holiday times such as Valentines Day, Easter, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, and Christmas. We suggest the maximum number of subjects be limited to Three (3). Technically, we can do many more, but three is the maximum with recognizable individual identification
Portrait on Gold
Process 1. Photograph is scanned into a computer using an off the shelf, computer scanner.
2. Computer digitizes the image into the binary code. This is the basic computer language.
3. The picture is projected on a computer screen wherein a photographic computer technician does the following:
a. Reduces or enlarges the photograph to fit the charm.
b. Repositions the subjects if necessary.
c. Lightens or darkens the subject by segments, for maximum resolution.
d. Eliminates the background.
4. The enhanced and adjusted image is Sent to the printer (Engraver) where it is engraved with a resolution of 22,500 DPI (Dots Per Inch) on a square piece of gold. The higher the DPI, the greater the resolution (Clarity). Further, there are 256 levels of engraving for proper grey scale separation.
5. The engraved charm is blanked out in to a heart shape, polished lightly and set in to a frame.
Because of the extremely high tolerances, we must order a higher quality of gold blank stock. It is traditionally accepted within the jewelry industry that a 5% variation in weight or thickness is acceptable. In the Portraits on Gold production, the 5% tolerance is unsatisfactory. Because of the utmost and precise depth adjustments, we must have the thickness exact and strict to within .00001 of an inch.
Monogram Name Program
Monogram Name Program There is nothing more personal than your name. Your Personal Jewelry Own Design has taught the same computers that make the portrait on gold, to cut the Monogram Name Program Jewelry. Each name is cut consistently to size and design. In the case of the plaque, the name is first constructed visually, on a computer, to insure structural integrity. Then, depending on seasonal demands, the item is either cut directly by computer, or a template is printed. In the case of a template, a skilled craftsman cuts the name, using the computer-generated template as a guide. Because of the extremely high tolerances, we must order a higher quality of gold blank stock. It is traditionally accepted within the jewelry industry that a 5% variation in weight or thickness is acceptable. In the computerized manufacturing production, the 5% tolerance is unsatisfactory. Because of the utmost and precise depth adjustments, we must have the thickness exact and strict to within .00001 of an inch. Further, the computer automatically adjust the width of each name so as to most closely, within the different variations of names and numbers of letters therein, keep consistent the size of the finished piece of jewelry, weather an plaque, ring or charm. The final product is a blend of technology and craftsmanship to give you the finest quality product available. |
