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The Method
for Creating Custom Jewelry
Author: SusanaGormen
If you are one
of the many people that are now considering having a piece of custom
jewelry created then it doesn't hurt to have an understanding of
the process by which the jeweler is going to create the piece. If you
have already spoken to a jeweler, you may have been a little confused
when he showed you rings or other pieces that were made out of wax
when you discussed your design ideas with him.
This is
because, the first step to casting a piece of jewelry is to make it
out of wax. Its called the “lost wax” casting method. After
the piece is created out of wax in exact detail, the jeweler will
then place it in a container about the size of a small coffee can
that is filled with wet plaster and the plaster will be allowed to
cure and dry. The dried container of plaster with the wax “piece
of jewelry” encased in it is then placed in a hot kiln.
This is done
so the wax piece will melt out of the plaster and the result is that
a hollow space shaped just like the original wax piece will be left
inside the canister of hardened plaster. The jeweler will then place
the canister of plaster in a device that spins the plaster canister,
so centrifugal force will force molten metal into every crevice and
detail in the hollow spot inside of it.
After the
metal cast has been allowed some time to cool the plaster will be
chipped away to reveal the piece that was originally made from wax,
now made out of precious metal. It will be cleaned up and any details
will be added to it by carving or welding. Then it will be polished
and any stones that are going on it will be added. |
