The Rosary Shop

This page is no longer monitored, and is here for information only. To order a custom rosepetal rosary or rosary repair, see the home page.

Heirloom Duplication Service

Do you have a unique medal, crucifix or cross you would like to share with your family or friends? Trinity Casting Company specializes in short-run, high-quality sterling casting.

How does it work?

There are a few different methods available, depending on the item and the quantity to be made, but the most common process is:

1. Fill out the application form and send your piece to Trinity Casting Company.
2. Once received, they go to work. Using RTV silicone, they carefully make a perfect mold of the medal. By using this process, the medal is not exposed to any dangerous heat or pressures.
3. Wax is injected into the mold, creating a wax copy of the medal.
4. The wax is attached to a main wax sprue, and coated with 'investment,' a clay-like material.
5. The investment solidifies after a few minutes, and using a steam oven, the wax is melted out.
6. The investment flask is heated to 1350F over several hours, burning out any remaining wax and preparing it for casting.
7. Sterling silver granules are heated to 1800F as the flask cooks.
8. The liquid sterling is poured into flask and allowed to cool for a few minutes.
9. The flask is plunged into cool water, which breaks apart the investment, leaving behind the sterling duplicate.
10. The duplicate is cut from the sterling 'tree,' cleaned and hand-finished for a beautiful appearance.

Other methods include full 3-d digital imaging or clay impression duplication.

How much does it cost?

Due to the time and care that goes into the process, the cost is $125 for the first duplication, and $20 for each copy of the same item.

Will my original be damaged?

The duplication process does not expose the original piece to any hazards. However, it is possible (but highly unlikely) for originals to be lost or damaged in the mail, or in the process of duplication. Consequently, we strongly recommend that you insure your shipment.

How should I ship it?

Use a padded envelope or box. NEVER ship bulky items in a plain envelope. Be sure to insure your shipment against loss and damage. The shipping address and other contact information is on the order form.

How long does it take?

The original and duplicates will be shipped back about two weeks after your payment clears.

What about copyrights?

Trinity Casting Company will do a cursory investigation to try to determine whether or not your piece is copyrighted. Most medals in circulation today were designed many years ago, and as such are in the public domain. If your items were created prior to 1964, they are most likely considered public domain. Items created prior to 1923 are considered public domain. If you have any doubts, please seek appropriate copyright counsel.

By sending your item, you are indicating that, to the best of your knowledge, it is not copyrighted. Trinity Casting Company will not knowingly duplicate any item that is copyrighted, but will attempt to refer you to the original manufacturer.

While Trinity Casting Company will do its best to determine whether or not the item is copyrighted, by sending in the item to be duplicated, the customer assumes full copyright responsibility. Please seek the advice of appropriate copyright counsel if there is any question. Though we don't advocate any particular website, there are numerous websites that can be helpful (e.g., http://www.unc.edu/~unclng/public-d.htm). Please use them at your own discretion.

Why should I trust Trinity Casting Company with my special item?

Trinity Casting Company has developed precision duplicating skills honed from over seven years in the dental laboratory industry making precision cast dental crown and bridge structures. They use the latest technologies in their custom design and duplicating processes, for example, computerized scanning and milling, and Maya, version 4.5, three-dimensional design software. (This software was used by 3D design and special effects artists in many recent films including The Perfect Storm and Spiderman.)

Every item is given our individual personal attention to ensure that it will be heirloom quality, fit to be handed down for generations. If you're not satisfied, return it and we'll either happily refund your money in full or reduplicate it. If you're not happy, we're not happy.

What is the relationship between Trinity Casting Company and The Rosary Shop?

Trinity Casting Company is an entirely separate company operated by Kent Puntenney. The Rosary Shop assisted Trinity Casting Company during startup, and relies upon Trinity Casting Company to produce many of our better sterling items.

How big can the medal be?

Currently, TCC can cast items up to 2 inches x 1 inch x 1/2 inch.

Can I get it cast in a different metal?

At this time, Trinity Casting Company is casting only in sterling. In the future, we may also cast in brass, bronze or gold. We also hope to offer some minor plating services later.