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Jewelry Making Casting and Overview of the Process and TechnqiuesBrief History
Jewelry making casting is an ancient technique that can be used to make charms, pendants and rings. Casting has been used throughout history by many different civilizations as a way of creating artistic, religious, and every day items. The technique was first discovered by the early Egyptians but it was also independently used by many of the South American tribes, such as the Incas, Mayas and Aztecs to create gold jewelry. It was rediscovered by the great Renaissance goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini. While modern versions of the lost wax process employee more technologically advanced methods it is really very similar to that employed by the goldsmiths of Egypt and the pre-Columbian tribes.
Jewelry Making Casting - Techniques and Process
The process of jewelry making casting requires melting metals at very high temperatures and using molds to shape the metal into new items. The liquid metal is then allowed to cool into pieces of jewelry such as, rings, necklaces, and sculptures. These pieces once they are cooled are known as the “casting”. The casting is then taken out of the mold in order to complete the process. There are several approaches to the technique, but they all require some kind of mold, melting and pouring the metal, then filing and polishing the finished piece.
Metal Casting - Different FormsThe actual casting process has several forms; the following is a list of the most popular techniques:Sand Casting: Involves creating a mold from sand, and then pouring the liquid metal into the mold. Afterwards, the metal is allowed to air dry and the mold is removed. This type of casting proves to be the most economical. This form works best with small charms that do not require a lot of detail. Water Casting: This method involves pouring liquid metal into a bucket of water to create abstract forms. The results can them be incorporated into you jewelry to add interest and texture. Broom Casting: Involves pouring the liquid metal into a moist straw broom. The result can be quiet striking. You can then use the casted pieces to add interest to your work.
Specialized equipment is utilized in the process of casting jewelry. It can either be homemade or purchased in one of the many jewelry supply companies. . If you are attracted to the aesthetic or practical quality’s of melting metal to create jewelry objects. Jewelry making casting is ideal because they can be made at home in a backyard or workshop with little work and overhead. All that is needed for jewelry and metal casting is creativity and knowledge. .
From jewelry making casting to how to make jewelry
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With the availability of affordable silversmith supplies, metal casting is has recently become more popular amongst the jewelers community. Jewelry artists are using this technique to add a new level of creativity to their jewelry designs. Melting precious metals requires practice, knowledge and skill. Because you will be working with extreme amount of heat, safety precautions must be taken to avoid injury. If you are new to metal casting, I recommend you read the “Practical Guide to Casting” A Studio Reference.” By Tim McGrath. Enroll in a casting class to learn the basics before you attempt this techniques at home.
Lost Wax Casting: Requires a wax mold called a pattern. The mold is attached to a base with a flask used to slip over the base. A plaster material called investment is prepared and poured into the mold via the flask and left to dry. Once the plaster is hardened, the piece is placed into an oven to burn out the wax. Melted metal can now be poured into the investment mold to create the jewelry design. Once hardened, the jewelry piece is filed and polished. This method has many advantages; it allows you to recreate the same identical piece multiple times in a short period of time. 
