In this work we present results on the practical realization of optical negative-index metamaterials based on two different geometries for the visible and near infrared (NIR) domains. A detailed description of the manufacturing technology used for the production of the negative-index materials is presented. The produced sample based on the cut-wire geometry has a refractive index of n = _0.65 + 1.6i at the wavelength of 2.1 lm.