Jewellery: casting masterclass

About this course

Participants explore casting metal from found objects and simple wax carvings, using Delft clay and, where available, cuttlefish bone moulds. The course also introduces experimental casting, optional cubic zirconia work and the use of a melting furnace, including a possible handheld crucible-pouring demonstration. Practical demonstrations and sample pieces guide the work. Participants develop pieces by repairing holes, soldering findings and polishing surfaces, while also examining how scrap silver can be cast into ingots for rolling into sheet or wire.

What you'll learn

• Select suitable objects and forms for casting
• Create a Delft clay mould
• Create a cuttlefish mould where suitable bone is available
• Repair holes and solder findings on cast pieces
• Polish completed jewellery to a finished surface
• Explain the basics of recycling silver through casting

Is this course right for you?

The course is explicitly suitable for complete beginners and is taught through demonstrations followed by practical making. A beginner jewellery-making course beforehand may be helpful for learners approaching casting as a specialist technique, but it is not stated as a requirement.

• Complete beginners are welcomed
• There is no formal work outside the class
• Learners can explore their own small objects or ideas alongside supplied examples

Before you go

• Wear sturdy footwear and old or protective clothing, as casting can be messy.
• Small objects to reproduce, such as trinkets, natural forms or toys, may be brought; supplied trinkets are also available.
• Pewter and bronze are provided for practice.
• Learners may bring scrap silver or purchase sterling silver grain, with a minimum of 20 grams stated.
• Cuttlefish casting depends on bone availability. Learners may bring genuine cuttlefish bone if they want to explore this method.
• Learners who want to cast with cubic zirconia should bring their own.