Jewellery Taster - Lost Wax Casting

Suitable for the absolute beginner or intermediate jeweller who hasn’t ventured into wax work. In this one-day taster class you will be introduced to lost wax casting techniques, learn the basic skills needed to create your own carved wax ring (you may include cast-in-place semi-precious stones).

Participants will be shown a variety of demonstrations and will be able to explore their own design with new techniques.

Prerequisite:

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, you do not need to be artistic or creative - you’ll be surprised what you can create under the guidance of our expert tutors. Suitable for the absolute beginner or intermediate jeweller who hasn’t ventured into wax work.

Our taster classes are perfect for absolute beginners with no previous experience.

This is a fast and focused 1 day workshop - The taster class does not cover how to remove casting sprues nor professionally polish your finished design. If you would prefer a more detailed course, please check out Designing in Wax.

Course Objectives:

You will have plenty of time to work on your own models for casting and lots of tips and tricks will be covered along the way.

Lost Wax Casting - Fundamental overview, types of jeweller’s wax, essential tools, using heat, casting house contacts, health & safety.

Basic methods of model production - Carving, building up or a combination of both.

Cast in Place Stone Setting - Learn the principals that allow you to set stones in wax for immediate metal casting.

Techniques in wax - Organic and irregular shapes, interesting textures, spontaneous shapes and surface effects or Intricate carved patterns.

Course Outcomes:

You will learn the basic skills needed to create your own carved wax ring. Everyone should complete at least one piece of jewellery which will be cast in the metal of your choice (e.g., silver, gold, platinum & bronze) and finished/ polished by The Bench. Your completed cast jewellery will be ready approximately two - three weeks later. You may either collect from The Bench or arrange for $20 postage.

The taster class does not cover how to remove casting sprues and professionally polish your finished design.

What’s Included:

Casting cost is not included in course fee - you may or may not choose to cast your wax model. Your tutor will assist you in your costing calculations.

Carving wax, semi-precious stones, access to tools, course notes.

Your completed cast jewellery will be ready approximately two - three weeks later. You may either collect from The Bench or arrange for $20 postage.

Casting costs are priced as follows:

+ cost of model

+ cast fees

+ GST

(Non-tarnish silver is $3.50 per gram in March 2025 - prices are subject to change)