Jewellery: Wax Carving for Stone Setting Friday Evening

About this course

Participants develop wax-carving techniques for jewellery settings, transferring designs onto wax and selecting or adapting tools for different forms. The class covers several wax types, three-dimensional carving, repairing broken work, making alterations and achieving a smooth surface ready for casting. Instruction combines demonstrations for the group with individual guidance where appropriate. Learners work towards a wax-carved ring or pendant designed around a specific stone, including cabochon, faceted, baroque pearl and irregular-cut stones.

What you'll learn

• Adapt a wax carving to the dimensions of a specific stone
• Create a ring or pendant incorporating a stone setting
• Use and adapt carving tools for different wax-carving requirements
• Repair, alter and smooth a three-dimensional wax carving
• Explain the basic lost-wax casting process and how cast pieces are cleaned and finished

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners with some experience of wax carving who want to extend their skills into stone settings. Its stated intermediate/advanced level suggests work beyond fundamental techniques. Teaching includes whole-group demonstrations and individual guidance, with scope for experimenting with unfamiliar or challenging tools and materials.

• Some previous wax-carving experience is required.
• Learners should be prepared to experiment with unfamiliar or challenging tools and materials.
• Teaching combines group demonstrations with individual guidance where appropriate.

Before you go

• All tools and wax are provided.
• Bring a pen, pencil and paper.
• Bring stones of your choice, or choose and buy from a selection brought by the tutor.
• Casting is carried out off site and is not included. The tutor will advise on casting companies and costs, which vary according to the material, number and size of pieces.