High-tech ceramics (HTC) are becoming common in jewelry due to their exceptional properties that are noble in terms of mechanical properties, corrosion, and aesthetics, among others. Although these materials are considered to be difficult to deal with (mainly processing, sintering, machining, polishing, etc.), there are some steps that may allow a jeweler to use them effectively at the bench. This paper will present the steps that are common in the processing of high-tech ceramics, mainly ZrO2-based ceramics. Synthesis, mixing, coloring, pre-sintering, machining using computer numerical control (CNC) mills and/or manual machining (files, drills, etc.), final sintering and polishing will be addressed. The relevant parameters and their importance when processing these materials will be presented. This paper will present the main challenges and provide information about how to deal with the difficulties of processing such materials. Examples of final components will be shown. A few considerations on the design of jewelry components that contain high-tech ceramics along with gold will also be presented.

Author: Dr. Bruno Henriques