MAKE MY OWN RING CASTING WORKSHOP
“Carve it, Cast it, Wear it!
2 sessions
$335.00
In this hands-on 12-hour workshop (2 days for approximately 6 hours each day ), you will carve and cast your own sterling silver ring, pendant or charm*. You will learn how to create your ring design from jeweler’s wax, cast it in silver, and then learn how to file and polish your piece so it will be ready to wear at the end of the class!
We will take you through each step of the process – from an introduction to the tools, ring design, ring sizing, wax carving, lost wax casting, and finish polishing. The wax carving process uses basic tools that will make it easy for everyone to design and carve a unique and personalized ring. We highly recommend coming with your ideas and designs down on paper, but if not don’t worry just let your imagination tell you what the wax wants to be!**
Check out our February class video below
WHAT IS LOST WAX CASTING?
Lost wax casting is a traditional technique used in jewelry making and sculpture. A model is carved or shaped in wax and is then cast. To do this the wax model is ‘sprued’ to a wax tree, put into a special container and then filled with investment plaster. Once dry the investment plaster containing the wax model is put in a kiln, and the wax is ‘burnt out’, leaving the negative space in the plaster where the wax model used to be. Molten metal is then injected centrifugally into the negative space and allowed to cool. Once cooled the plaster is broken up to reveal the metal piece and is then ready to be cleaned and finished.
All tools, wax and metal are provided for this class.
Step 1. Tool Orientation
Step 2. Wax Orientation
Step 3. Get a big block of D Wax
Step 4. Engrave, carve and sculpt your wax ring
Step 5. Make your Sprue tree
Step 6. Invest
Step 7. Cast in sterling silver
Step 8. File and polish to finish your beautiful ring!
– No experience necessary!
– Space is limited to keep instruction optimal and intimate.
– Don’t know her/his ring size? Bring one of their rings and we will tell you.
This workshop is suitable for beginners and more experienced makers looking to learn a new technique. All tools and materials will be provided. This workshop is taught by Robert Devoe Peter, a master designer and maker specializing in high quality fine jewelry.
This class is not intended for creating rings or pieces with stones. That involves a great deal more work than this initial wax carving class can accommodate. We do offer a class that involves incorporating a stone once a year and we do offer one on one classes on request for this as well.
* Class includes casting in sterling silver up to 12 grams, however gold, palladium, and platinum can be cast for an additional cost.
** This class does not incorporate stones or stone setting
We cast your items at our facility in silver or gold!
CASTING CLASS FAQ’S
What if I don’t know what to make?
For best use of this workshop it would be good to find some inspiration ahead of time and have some sketches down on paper. You could create a Pinterest board to collect ideas and inspiration and/or bookmark some of your favorite rings on instagram. We will have a few pre-designed rings from which to choose if you are not able to come with a design in mind or sketched out.
What if I don’t finish the ring on time?
We are patient in our venues. We will not pressure you to finish it on time however early planning will help you immensely. There is an opportunity to work independently in our workshop* at an hourly rate.
What can I make my ring out of?
Your class fee covers your ring cast in sterling silver, however Gold, palladium* or platinum* can be cast at an additional cost.
The ring is for someone else, how do I know their size?
Try and obtain a ring from them so we can help you determine the ring size on the day. We also offer a special finger-sizing device for you to use off site.
Is there an age limit to the class?
Yes. Unfortunately as we use sharp tools, including knives, we are unable to take anyone under 18 years of age.
Do I need to bring anything?
Nope, just bring yourself! While not a prerequisite, if you do have any inspirational materials, Instagram collections, Pinterest boards, designs/sketches, etc… bring these along too!
What should I wear?
You must wear closed toed shoes that cover the top of your foot (tennis shoes or boots are great, ballet flats are not). Please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. No scarves, or flowing garments, please! Hair should be securely tied back (ponytail, bun, or braid is great!).
We are getting married and would love to create a ring. Is it possible to come together?Â
Yes, you can also book a Private Event if you would prefer something more intimate than this class.
Your class is sold out, what can I do?
We will have a waiting list. Just drop us an email so that if anyone drops out, you will be notified. We run workshops once a month, so you’ll likely get another chance!
I can’t make it to a class I have booked. What do I do?
We offer full refunds for classes canceled at least 10 days prior to the start date. If you cancel later than the 10 days we can offer you credit at the Jewelers Guild for classes or merchandise.
Do you have gift certificates?
We do! Visit the Gift Certificate section on our website for more information.
