Article: Lost Wax Casting: The Secret Behind My Process
Lost Wax Casting: The Secret Behind My Process
I'm often asked about the process I use to create my unique jewellery pieces and for a long time I experimented with various techniques and processes but I could never find one that expressed my creativity.
Then everything changed when I came across the ancient technique of Lost Wax Casting and I knew my creative life would change forever!
I'd like to take a moment to share with you how I use lost wax casting to bring my creative vision to life.
This method is one of the oldest and most intricate forms of creating metal jewellery. The process starts with the creation of a wax model of my jewellery design. I do this by using a specialised form of wax, this wax is manufactured for the jewellery industry and comes in various forms such as rod, sheet and wire in varying hardness. The wax I use depends on the piece I am designing, taking into consideration intricate details and overall finish.
Using sharp wax working tools, I carefully shape and hone the wax model into a three-dimensional version of my initial design sketch.
Once the wax design is ready, I send it to my casting house. There a ceramic mould is formed around my wax design, which is achieved by heating it to a very high temperature. The wax then melts away leaving an empty cavity which then has a hollow mould of my original wax design.
This is when the magic begins...
When this ceramic mould is made, my metal of choice (eg: gold or silver) is heated to molten state and then poured into the mould, taking on the shape of the mould. When cooled, I am left with a metal form that replicates my original hand carved wax design.
At this point it is rough from the casting process. Many hours are spent refining, using jewellery tools to sand, polish and to set stones.
Lost Wax Casting is not just about creating jewellery but about preserving a piece of history.
Every piece tells a story and brings its own unique style and characteristics. This process truly helps my pieces stand out and to create the signature style that Skeleton Coast Jewellery has become recognised for.
Thank you for reading about how I create my jewellery using the lost wax casting process. It is an ancient technique that requires skill and a lot of patience and I am so proud when I look at the beautiful, unique jewellery pieces I have crafted.
