# Jewelry design glossary: sketch, prototype, mock-up, tolerance

> The words of creating a piece: sketch, technical drawing, scale, template, prototype, mock-up, model, ergonomics and tolerance.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/piece-design-glossary/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-10-01
- Updated: 2026-10-01
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/glosario-de-diseno-de-una-pieza/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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From the first scribble to the finished jewel there are many steps. These are the words of the process, with the Spanish term. To plan a design, see [planning original designs](https://www.711grados.com/en/planning-to-design-original-and-unique-jewelry/).

## Drawing and thinking

- **Sketch (boceto):** a quick drawing of the idea.
- **Technical drawing (dibujo técnico):** a drawing with exact dimensions for making the piece.
- **Front and side view (vista frontal y lateral):** the projections that show the piece from the front and in profile.
- **Proportion (proporción):** the relationship between the parts of the piece.
- **Scale (escala):** the relationship between the drawing and the real piece; 1:1 is life size.
- **Symmetry (simetría):** equality of the two halves of a piece.

## Testing and making

- **Template (plantilla):** a shape cut from card or metal that guides cutting.
- **Pattern (patrón):** a shape that is repeated or copied in production.
- **Mock-up (maqueta):** a quick version in paper, card, wax or 3D print, to see size and volume. It does not have to work.
- **Prototype (prototipo):** the first working version, sometimes in a cheaper metal, to test clasp, comfort and strength.
- **Model / master (modelo):** the original piece, in wax or resin, from which the mold for casting is made. See [wax modeling](https://www.711grados.com/en/wax-carving-and-modeling/).

## Wearing it

- **Ergonomics (ergonomía):** how the piece suits the body and its use: weight, edges, comfort.
- **Size (talla):** the measurement of the ring, bracelet or necklace. See [ring size](https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-find-your-ring-size/).
- **Measurements (medidas):** the dimensions of the piece: length, width, thickness, weight.
- **Tolerance (tolerancia):** the acceptable difference between the designed and the real measurement. In a setting it can be a tenth of a millimeter.

See also: [3D printing](https://www.711grados.com/en/3d-printing-in-jewelry/) and [CAD software](https://www.711grados.com/en/cad-software-for-jewelry-design/).