| Have you ever wondered how fine custom | | | | This is then set out to dry. Next comes the |
| jewelry was created? The process is really | | | | oven. This next step is critical- it takes a |
| very simple. Most fine jewelry is created | | | | trained artisan to work the oven so that it |
| using a technique called the "lost wax" | | | | heats to the proper temperature over the |
| method. First a specific design has to be | | | | proper sequence of hours. If this step is not |
| created. This usually requires a person who | | | | done properly the piece may be badly damaged |
| has a fair amount of ability to render a | | | | or need a lot of repair. Assuming that all |
| drawing which looks like the finished piece! | | | | has gone well, once this step is completed |
| Once the designer and client agree on the | | | | the wax will have drained out and the |
| design, the next step is for the item to be | | | | remaining plaster is now the mold into which |
| carved using a special wax (there are | | | | your metal of choice (silver, gold or |
| different wax products depending on the | | | | platinum) will be cast. After the metal is |
| object desired). The designer and client | | | | cast, it is ready to be finished. This is a |
| should meet and approve the wax- now is the | | | | time-consuming process which requires the use |
| time for any changes to be made. At this | | | | of various tools like small files (much like |
| time, any appropriate stones can be placed to | | | | nail files)and little polishing wheels. Then, |
| give the client an idea of what the finished | | | | any stones (diamonds, rubies, sapphires etc) |
| piece will look like and to check for size, | | | | are added. It is always wonderful to see the |
| fit etc. Next the wax model is set up in a | | | | pleased look on client's faces at the end of |
| metal cylinder so that a plaster-like | | | | this journey. You may view my wesite to see |
| material can be poured over the entire piece. | | | | this proces illustrated. |