The world of jewellery design – Polished Diamonds
by Metropol | October 28, 2026 8:33 am
Technology meets traditional craftsmanship and an award-winning team who want to send you skipping home from their New Regent Street store after crafting the perfect piece at high street prices. Inside one of New Zealand’s most technologically advanced jewellery workrooms, Metropol sits down with owner Dan Joines.
What makes Polished Diamonds different from a traditional jewellery store?
We see ourselves as a jewellery design house rather than a retailer. Customers can sit down with our designers, discuss their ideas, select their diamond or gemstone, explore different metals and proportions, and then watch the design develop from concept through to finished jewellery. It’s a more personal experience than choosing from a cabinet.
How much technology is involved in creating a modern engagement ring?
Quite a lot. Jewellery-making is still a highly skilled craft, but technology now allows us to design with extraordinary precision. Our designers use advanced CAD software to build a three-dimensional model of a ring, allowing us to refine details such as stone position, band width, setting height and symmetry before manufacture begins. It gives the customer a very clear picture of what we are going to create. Our workshop combines CAD design, high-resolution 3D printing and laser welding with the traditional skills of goldsmithing, diamond setting, polishing and finishing.
Can customers try their design on before it is made?
Yes! It’s one of our favourite parts of the process. Once a design has been completed in CAD, we can 3D-print a resin prototype of the ring. Customers can put it on their finger and experience the proportions, width and overall look before we manufacture the final piece in precious metal. Jewellery is tactile; being able to try it on is far better than looking at an image on a screen.
Why is laser welding important in jewellery making?
It can create extremely precise welds in areas where traditional soldering techniques may introduce too much heat. It is particularly useful when working around diamonds and gemstones, carrying out detailed repairs or completing intricate custom work.
Is making custom jewellery a long process?
Surprisingly, no. Because we control the design and manufacturing process ourselves, most custom jewellery can be completed in approximately one to two weeks once the design is approved. Having our own designers and workshop gives us much greater control over timing and quality.
What sort of jewellery do customers most enjoy designing?
Engagement rings and wedding rings are naturally a major part of what we do because they carry so much emotion and meaning. Some customers arrive with a very clear idea, while others know they want something beautiful and different. We can start with a photograph, a sketch, an existing family ring or just a conversation.
What does it mean to the team to be an award-winning bespoke jeweller?
We are extremely proud to have been recognised with awards including Best Engagement Ring, Best Wedding Ring at a London luxury award ceremony and Best Retail from the Champion Canterbury Awards. These represent more than an individual design. Jewellery is ultimately very personal, so earning the trust of our customers remains the most
important recognition.
What should someone expect when they first visit a Polished Diamonds design studio?
A relaxed conversation rather than a hard sell. Jewellery is a significant purchase, particularly an engagement ring, so our role is to help people understand their options and make a confident decision. See different diamond shapes, metals and ring styles, talk through their budget and ideas, and see examples of our design work. There is no need to understand jewellery before walking through the door – that is what we are here for.
Visit Dan and his team at Polished Diamonds on New Regent Street, or at one of the design studios in Auckland or Wellington. Design, recreate or repair any piece of jewellery in-house or by video consultation, call 0800 233 299 or visit polishediamonds.co.nz.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/the-world-of-jewellery-design-polished-diamonds/