Sand Casting for Jewellery

Using the ancient silversmithing process of sand casting, you will learn how to produce small scale jewellery and objects with precious metal & take home a personalized, ready-to-wear sterling silver jewellery.

Sand Casting uses a special type of sand that has a clay-like consistency to create a mould into which molten metal is poured. This is a fast and easy way to create your own items from non-precious materials such as metal, wax, wood, or plastic models.

We know you’re going to enjoy this exciting class and leave with something uniquely yours!

MATERIALS KIT INCLUDED!

Students can expect to learn the fundamentals of sand casting and understand what an extremely useful, rapid, and versatile studio practice the sand-casting technique can be! Students will be able to demonstrate and discuss the sand-casting process, identify the limitations of the sand-casting process, discover how sand-cast materials can have defects and small voids that are not visible on the surface and be able to determine how properties of a metal can be altered through the casting process.

With guidance you will make a sterling silver ring with or without gemstones cast in place &/or a sterling silver pendant / flat object with or without gemstones.r, you may bring in items you already have (see instructions below).

Discussion between tutor and the students as a group and as individuals, to guide you to improve your skills.

You will be guided through the following techniques:

Create a mould - by placing a pattern in sand and incorporating a gating system.

Gate and vent - preparations to get the best metal flow during the pour.

Pour molten metal - into the mould cavity through the gating system.

How to best select "master objects" - skills to build a pattern of the object to be produced, using wood, metal, or a plastic such as expanded polystyrene.

Cast a Variety of Objects - Use found natural objects, custom models to create your own silver ring &/or pendant.

Types of pattern and materials - like polymer clay, Perspex, and found objects which can be used to make them.

Limitations of the pattern - and what to avoid in the design or selection of a pattern

Calculating specific formula - to find the casting weight of non-conventional materials and how much metal will be needed.

Cast in Place - How to add a sparkling touch by setting stones directly in the casting process.

Work Sustainably - Utilize recycled silver offcuts or fresh casting granules for your creations.

Advantages & disadvantages - applications of sand-casting.

Learn the problems - with gravity casting and how to overcome them.

Methods used - to reduce porosity and turbulence on pouring the metal

Discuss - the pouring gate and gas vents and their optimal size and positioning

Finishing Techniques - Discover new ways to hold work and create finishes while preserving the original look and texture of your ‘model’.