Inside the CBVH Workshop
A quiet look at the details, tools, and hands behind our most personal pieces.
Where It Begins
Every CBVH piece starts as a conversation. A client shares a vision — sometimes a sketch on a napkin, sometimes just a feeling — and our designers translate it into something wearable.
The Design Phase
From Concept to CAD
Our process moves through three stages:
- Hand sketching — quick explorations of shape, proportion, and flow
- Technical drawing — precise measurements and stone placement
- 3D modeling — CAD renders that let the client see the piece from every angle before committing
Client Collaboration
"The best pieces come from honest conversations. When a client tells us why the piece matters, not just what it should look like, we create something that carries real meaning." — Mr. Van Hong, Founder
The Workshop Floor
Our Phnom Penh workshop houses twelve artisans, each specializing in a different discipline:
- Wax carving — hand-sculpting the initial model
- Casting — transforming wax into metal using the lost-wax method
- Stone setting — securing gemstones with precision tools
- Polishing — achieving the final mirror or matte finish
- Engraving — adding personal inscriptions and motifs
Tools of the Trade
Many of our tools haven't changed in centuries. Our senior carver still uses:
- Hand gravers passed down through generations
- A jeweler's loupe at 10x magnification
- Beeswax for securing stones during setting
- Fine-grade polishing compounds applied by hand
Quality Control
Every finished piece goes through a five-point inspection:
| Check | Standard |
|---|---|
| Stone security | No movement under 10x magnification |
| Surface finish | No visible scratches or pits |
| Symmetry | Balanced from every viewing angle |
| Clasp function | Smooth, secure operation |
| Weight | Within 2% of specification |
The Human Element
In an age of mass production, we believe the slight variations in handmade jewelry are what give each piece character. No two CBVH creations are exactly alike — and that's by design.
Visit our workshop by appointment to see the process firsthand.
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