Designing in Wax - Lost Wax Casting

Suitable for the absolute beginner or intermediate jeweller who hasn’t ventured into wax work. This comprehensive workshop is spread over 8 sessions where you will learn how to carve wax, manipulate soft wax and cast-in-place stone set, to create rings and other jewellery items. Participants will be shown a variety of demonstrations and will be able to explore their own design with new techniques.

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.

Design and manufacture – Understand how to design, prototype and manufacture wax models for reproduction

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

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

Methods of clean-up procedures – You will acquire knowledge of how to remove casting sprues and professionally polish your finished design.

Findings/ connections - You will gain an understanding in how to attach clasps and connections or additional finer details.

Advanced soldering – You will be able to undertake more complex solder joins, knowing what type of join and solder to use for the job at hand.

Course Outcomes

Each course begins with short, structured technical exercises and then fabricating, decorating and joining will be demonstrated. You will learn the basic skills needed to create your own carved wax ring and pendant. You may find that there is time to create your own simple design using your new skills. Everyone should complete at least two pieces of jewellery. Casting cost is not included in course fee - you may or may not choose to cast your wax model.

Discussion between tutor and the students as a group and as individuals will take place each week, to guide you to improve your skills.

What’s Included

A materials pack is supplied for your two projects. A selection of materials will be available to buy from your tutor at cost price.

Casting cost of wax model is not included - you may or may not choose to cast your wax model.

Casting costs are priced as follows:

+ cost of model

+ cast fees

+ GST

Your tutor will assist you in your costing calculations. (Non-tarnish silver is $3.40 per gram in May 2024 - prices are subject to change)