At our workshop, we take pride in crafting jewellery settings using the time-honored lost wax casting process. This technique allows us to create intricate and durable pieces, tailored to each gemstone and design.

Step 1: Creating the Master Setting

The journey begins with crafting individual settings in wax or silver. These prototypes serve as the “Master setting,” capturing every detail of the intended design. The master is essential, as it forms the basis for all future reproductions.

Step 2: Making the Mold

Once the master setting is ready, we create a vulcanised rubber or silicon mold around it. This mold is flexible yet sturdy, allowing us to reproduce the original setting multiple times without losing any detail.

Step 3: Wax Injection and Customization

Using a wax injector, we fill the mold to produce wax replicas of the master setting. Each wax model can be individually altered to perfectly fit the gemstone that will be set, ensuring a custom fit and unique look for every piece.

Step 4: Casting the Precious Metal

After creating wax models of each jewellery piece, these are attached to a central wax sprue, forming a “tree.” This allows multiple pieces to be cast simultaneously.

A special plaster-like material called ‘investment’ is mixed with water and poured over the wax tree inside a metal flask. The flask is gently vibrated and vacuumed to remove air bubbles, then left to harden. Once set, the flask is heated in a kiln to melt out the wax, leaving a detailed cavity ready for metal casting. This ensures that every tiny detail of the wax model is captured for the final stage. Once the flasks have cooked out the wax, a vacuum casting machine is used to cast the precious metal, such as gold or silver, into the shape of the wax model. This method results in a solid, seamless setting with no solder joints, enhancing both the strength and beauty of the jewellery.

Why Lost Wax Casting?

Lost wax casting is renowned for its precision and versatility. It allows us to create complex designs and ensure each setting is perfectly suited to its gemstone. The process also guarantees a high-quality finish, making each piece of jewellery both beautiful and durable.