There is no production line behind Dicci. There is a small team in Porto, a few workbenches and the tools jewelers have always used. Our silver pieces are made by hand in our workshop, and our steel and natural stone pieces are made in our showroom, a few steps from where you sit. This is how each of them comes to life.
- It starts with a prototype
- Silver, made by hand in our Porto workshop
- Made in front of you: steel and natural stones
- Hammered, polished or matte: choosing a finish
- See it for yourself
- Frequently asked questions
It starts with a prototype
Every new design begins as a sketch and then as a resin prototype, printed in our showroom. Holding it in our hands lets us check the shape, the proportions and how it sits on the body before any silver is used, and adjust the design until it feels right.
Silver, made by hand in our Porto workshop
Our 925 silver pieces are made by hand in our workshop in Porto. Each design follows its own path, but most share the same core techniques.
Cuffs: from sheet to wrist
A cuff starts as a flat piece of silver, cut to size with a jeweler's saw. The silver is then heated with a torch to soften it, a step called annealing, so it can be shaped without cracking. It is bent around a steel mandrel with a mallet and, for our hammered designs, textured blow by blow. The edges are filed and sanded smooth so nothing catches on skin or clothing. Finally, the cuff is given its surface: polished to a mirror shine, brushed to a soft matte, or oxidized to bring out depth in the details.
Rings: every design has its own path
Our rings use many of the same techniques, combined differently for each design. Depending on the ring, the work can include soldering with a torch, cleaning the metal after soldering, adjusting the size on a ring mandrel, setting stones or engraving.
The official hallmark
Before any silver piece reaches our showroom, it goes to the Contrastaria, the Portuguese Assay Office. There the metal is tested and stamped with an official hallmark that guarantees it is 925 sterling silver. It is an independent check that our silver is exactly what we say it is.
It is also why our silver pieces are always ready when you visit. By the time you try one on, it has already been made, tested and hallmarked.
Made in front of you: 316L stainless steel and natural stones
Our 316L stainless steel chains and our natural stone necklaces and bracelets are made in our Porto showroom. The workbenches sit a few steps from the armchairs where we welcome you, so while you choose your stones or your chain length, you can watch your piece being made.
Natural stones, strung to last
We string every natural stone necklace and bracelet on stainless steel wire, not elastic or thread. Steel wire is far stronger than a softer cord, so it copes much better with tugs, drops and sudden movements and helps keep your stones secure through everyday wear. Each end is closed with a crimp tube, pressed shut with pliers so the wire cannot slip, and attached with a jump ring to our signature T-bar clasp bearing the DICCI logo.
Because the stones are natural, no two pieces are exactly alike.
Stainless Steel chains, cut to your measure
Our 316L stainless steel chains are made to the length you choose. We cut the chain, attach the jump rings and the clasp, add the pendant if the design has one, and polish the finished piece with a cloth made for metals before handing it to you. Chains in standard lengths are soldered closed in advance, so they are ready to wear straight away.
Hammered, polished or matte: choosing a finish
Hammered pieces carry the marks of the hammer, so light catches them differently from every angle and no two are identical.
Polished pieces have a mirror shine, the classic look of silver.
Matte pieces are brushed to a soft, quiet surface that suits a more understated style.
Browse our silver cuffs and rings to see each finish.
See it for yourself
Our showroom in Porto is open by appointment. Come and try our silver pieces, choose your stones and chain length, and watch your necklace or bracelet being made at the bench.
Frequently asked questions
Is DICCI jewelry handmade?
Yes. Our silver pieces are made by hand in our Porto workshop, and our stainless steel chains and natural stone necklaces and bracelets are made by hand in our Porto showroom.
Can I choose the length of my necklace or bracelet?
Yes. Our steel chains and natural stone pieces are made to the length you choose. Standard lengths are also available ready to wear.
Why do you use steel wire instead of elastic?
Steel wire is far stronger than elastic or thread. It copes much better with tugs, drops and sudden movements, helping keep your stones secure through everyday wear.
Is your silver real 925 sterling silver?
Yes. Every silver piece is tested and hallmarked by the Contrastaria, the Portuguese Assay Office, before it reaches our showroom.
Should I choose 925 silver or stainless steel?
It depends on how you wear your jewelry. 925 silver is a precious metal that develops a natural patina over time and benefits from an occasional polish. 316L stainless steel is highly resistant to water, sweat and daily wear and needs almost no care. Read our full comparison: Which is better? Stainless Steel or 925 Silver?
Can I watch my piece being made?
Yes, for our stainless steel chains and natural stone necklaces and bracelets, which are made at the workbenches in our showroom. Our silver pieces are made beforehand in our workshop, so they are ready to try on when you arrive.
Will stainless steel jewelry turn my skin green?
No. Read why in our guide: Will Stainless Steel Rings Turn Your Fingers Green?
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