storiesEditorial TeamJanuary 12, 20262 min read

Inside the CBVH Workshop

A quiet look at the details, tools, and hands behind our most personal pieces.

Inside the CBVH Workshop

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:

  1. Hand sketching — quick explorations of shape, proportion, and flow
  2. Technical drawing — precise measurements and stone placement
  3. 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:

CheckStandard
Stone securityNo movement under 10x magnification
Surface finishNo visible scratches or pits
SymmetryBalanced from every viewing angle
Clasp functionSmooth, secure operation
WeightWithin 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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Inside the CBVH Workshop