Model maker

The model maker is an artisan working with metal to create a prototype by hand from a drawing developed by the creative department. Made of tin, brass, or wax, the model involves various technical processes. The model maker may apply cutting and stamping techniques (the latter involves shaping a metal sheet). They also have jewelling expertise: they can create a cavity to hold a gem stone, and faux grains (a type of round claw) to create the illusion of a traditional setting. Jewellery techniques are also applied to create textures by hammering, guilloching (engraving criss-cross lines), milling, and more.

An enmeshing process allows the model maker to form a kind of jigsaw puzzle by developing all the elements to be welded together later on.