1. Design and Model Creation:
- Start with a jewelry design, either hand-drawn or created digitally using software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design).
- Based on the design, a 3D model of the jewelry piece is created, using wax or a different material.
2. Mold Making (Spruing and Investing):
- Attach the wax model to a central wax rod, called a sprue, along with other small wax rods to form a "tree."
- Cover the entire model with a liquid investment compound that hardens upon drying, creating a mold.
3. Burnout:
- The mold is heated to a high temperature to melt away the wax and remove any moisture. This process creates cavities in the mold that correspond to the jewelry design.
4. Melting and Pouring:
- The desired metal, such as gold, silver, or other precious metals, is melted in a crucible.
- Molten metal is then carefully poured into the investment mold, filling the cavities left behind by the wax model.
5. Cooling and Solidification:
- The mold is allowed to cool and solidify, causing the molten metal to harden into the shape of the jewelry design.
6. Divesting:
- After the metal has solidified, the mold is broken away or dissolved, freeing the cast jewelry pieces.
7. Finishing and Polishing:
- The cast jewelry undergoes various finishing processes, including cleaning, removal of sprues, further shaping, and polishing to achieve the desired appearance.
8. Setting Stones and Gemstones:
- If the jewelry design incorporates gemstones or diamonds, they are carefully set and secured into the jewelry piece using specialized techniques.
Jewelry casting allows for intricate designs, mass production, and the use of various metals. It is a versatile technique used by jewelers, artisans, and manufacturers to create beautiful and durable jewelry items.