Working with wax

Wax carving for Jewellery

The majority of my work focusses on making 2-D elements that are layered up into a 3-Dimensional form. As a way of exploring new possibilities and in particular for a new commission, I felt the need to create a different look. Still with an organic feel in mind I took to using the traditional jewellers technique of wax carving.

Wax is often used by jewellers to create an original design, which in turn is used to make a mould from. The process is called lost wax casting, which describes how and original wax design is used to make a mould. In this mould molten metal is poured in and the wax melts away. Meaning the original wax model is lost, but a solid metal version of the design has been created in its place.

Original modelling made from flat 2D elements.

This model was too delicate for the design that I had in mind. A wax carving was the natural progression.

A wax carving of the ring in the clients size. More wax is taken away before the ‘lost wax’ process takes places.

The final ring with a Garnet set into it.

The success of this design and a new interest in wax carving is leading onto new designs and even re-workings of selected existing pieces. Here are a few images from a re-working that what I’m experimenting with now.

Cutting out the rough conical/ bud shape and beginning to hollow it out.

Refining the shape.

Here I have used files to shape the wax and carve in the petals.