There is something new in the world of fine jewelry, and it’s available at one of Lincoln’s finest jewelers, Sartor Hamann. This might be something to tell a bride-to-be or any jewelry-lover in your family about. Anyone is now able to design her own unique ring, pin, bracelet, or other piece of jewelry. See it on a computer screen, and then have some of the area’s best designers use their skills to make it a reality, says Owner Don Hamann.

The idea is that customers can redesign a keepsake piece handed down from previous generations, or they can design an entirely new piece to coordinate with that keepsake. The possibilities are almost endless at any of the Sartor Hamann locations in downtown Lincoln, at SouthPointe in Lincoln, or at the Conesotga Mall, Grand Island location.

Don is as excited about this new computer-enhanced design process as he was when they brought the “Hearts on Fire” line of exquisite diamonds into the store. He views this new process as enhancing the company’s reputation for unique and distinctive jewelry. It’s a combination of intricate craftsmanship and computer-enhanced imaging.

Here’s how it works: The goldsmiths at the store will help make your vision come to life. For example, if you want a unique engagement ring or one that coordinates with the style of wedding band you have in mind—or you want to coordinate with an heirloom band that’s been in your family for ages—you will meet with the design staff and start working on exactly what you envision. You can bring them a picture of a piece you want or want to coordinate with, or you can have them start from scratch and draw you a one-of-a-kind dream design. The jeweler will carve a wax mold that will become your custom ring. You make a visit to examine and approve the intricate wax carving. Then you leave the work to them. In a few days, you will have your custom keepsake design.

The designers’ skills lie in creating or recreating your design in 14-karat gold, 18-karat gold, or platinum. But now they have added the computer element to this. They have spent many months in training to bring their own unique and creative skills to life. This is pretty sophisticated stuff, and it is definitely not learned overnight, Don says.

Here’s where the computer part really comes into play: What if you know exactly what you want but you can’t find it anywhere? This is a common challenge. But with their new Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) software, the mystery can easily be solved. No more pencil sketches that may have looked one way on paper but entirely different when you saw the actual completed piece.

The computer adds incredible precision and accuracy to the preview. The computer imaging can show you exactly what your piece will look like when completed. You can even “try out” the look with different touches—adding a diamond or metal swirl, for example. Don says he and the design team encourage you to try out ideas such as adding a princess-cut diamond and then substituting an emerald-cut diamond. You can always have the computer “delete” any look. You might want to try some others or save them all until you make up your mind. “This CAD process has really changed the way we do business. We are not just sellers anymore,” says Don. He adds that CAD designing also makes the individual a bigger part of the jewelry experience than ever before. The technology allows them to be so much more involved.

As you work on designing your piece, remember that the creative design team can offer some ideas too. The best part is that they can show you these ideas right then and there on the computer so you can see what the completed look would be. You can make your decision based on a computerized image of the finished piece—not just a sketch.

These jewelers also always have a generous assortment of loose diamonds and gemstones in all colors and price ranges. You can try adding one or more of them for additional color or texture, or to better coordinate with a ring or other piece you already have. Play around as much as you like, Don says. They aren’t satisfied unless you are.

And when you have your finished creative piece in your hand, you will undoubtedly notice that the workmanship of this finished product will please you greatly and look exactly like—or better than—the design you originally saw, Don shares.

CAD designing can be used corporately as well, to bring company logos to life or add a logo to rings, money clips, or other items. They can turn a corporate logo or symbol into something unique to make anniversaries special or to give as gifts for important events or company executives.

Adding the CAD design process is not the first big change this jewelry store has undertaken. They have been in Lincoln for more than 100 years. No one survives that long without recognizing changes in the economy, customers’ needs, wants, and tastes, and then adapting to address those changes. Don remembers that in their earliest days, they had shelves and displays of silver flatware, fine china, and jewelry in their stores. In today’s stores, their fine jewelry such as the “Hearts on Fire” diamonds and fine watches, including the Rolex brand, are on display.

The downtown store has been at five different locations during those 100-plus years, but all locations have been within a five-block area of their current site. They have had to move most of those times because of various city plans for upgrading the downtown area. But they have not just survived, they have thrived, Don points out. And quality is one key reason.

Their high-quality selection and service was called being a “guild”-level jeweler at one time. Their glass cases all stand tall on finely crafted wood carved in French Provincial style. I think the cases give the store elegance and a subtle grandeur. One never feels pressured here, Don says, and all are encouraged to examine as many pieces, designs, or stones as they wish. There is a sedate, relaxed environment where no one is rushing or scurrying around.

So if you are looking for a special piece of jewelry or a fine watch, you might want to stop in at Sartor Hamann. And now if you would like to design a truly special piece of jewelry, their stores are the only ones in Lincoln offering the CAD design process, Don says. But don’t be surprised if you run into Don himself. He still loves this business and typically stops in at both locations each day. The downtown location is at 1150 O St., or call 476-8561. For the SouthPointe location, call 420-2244 or visit www.sartorhamann.com. You may just find the perfect item—or you can create that unique, one-of-a-kind item that you will always treasure.



  

Sartor Hamann
By Jo Miller

Don Hamann, Owner