This one-day course offers an exciting opportunity to explore how gemstones can be secured into wax to create expressive, organic forms beyond the limits of traditional metalwork. Using the lost wax casting technique, stones are set directly into the wax before casting, allowing for greater creative freedom and a more experimental approach to design.
The session is ideal for those looking to expand their skills. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, you will learn how to set faceted stones securely into wax and carve your own unique ring or pendant. You may choose to create and set stones into your own design, or follow a guided project to practise different stone-setting approaches.
By the end of the day, you will have at least one stone-set wax piece ready for professional casting. Please note that your finished wax piece will need to be taken to a casting company if you wish to have it cast in metal.
You will be introduced to the lost wax casting process, exploring the journey from wax to metal while understanding the importance of metal shrinkage, heat shock, and the selection of suitable castable stones. You will learn about different wax types and professional carving tools to shape your designs.
Through practical demonstrations, you will master precise seat preparation for faceted stones and discover setting techniques including prong, and granulation methods. You will also learn the adding-wax technique to create organic shapes and set stones as you build your design.
By the end of the session, you will be able to create unique stone-set wax pieces, ready for professional casting.
We will supply all tools and consumable materials such as wax and Cubic Zirconia stones.
You could bring your own stones you wish to work with, a list of stones suitable for this technique will be provided on request. You are also invited to bring a pre-made wax carved piece that you wish to set a stone into.
Please bring suitable clothing and footwear for Health & Safety reasons
A fantastic overview of techniques to work with gemstones and lost wax casting. The tutor was incredibly helpful and very thorough, and there was plenty of time to work on our individual interests, as well as an overview of new approaches to try. Thank you!
My tutor was so informative, hands-on and helpful – I learnt so much about the process and what I can do in the future for other projects. Would recommend ths course 100%
Incredible class! The instructor was very helpful and informative
