Wax Carving for Jewellers

Synopsis

Wax carving is like sculpture for jewellery and allows enormous creativity, as so many different forms can be made. This practical guide introduces the techniques to this age-old method through a series of guided exercises and projects, and demonstrates how exciting it can be. Drawing on the experience of two master wax-carvers, it also gives invaluable advice on the finish of your cast pieces and how to reproduce them. With over 400 colour photos, it give advice on setting up for wax carving, tools, tool-making and materials. There are exercises that introduce the beginner to using wax and then build ideas and confidence to try more complex designs. Included are advanced techniques that show how to use stones in a carving and how to add texture and surface detail. Finally, finished examples demonstrate the potential, excitement and versality of the method.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Wax Carving

* Overview of wax carving, its history, and applications in jewelry making.
* Types of waxes used, their properties, and selection for different projects.
* Essential tools and equipment required for wax carving.

Chapter 2: Basic Techniques

* Holding and handling wax, proper ergonomics.
* Basic carving tools and their usage: gouges, chisels, files.
* Fundamental carving techniques: cutting, scraping, smoothing.

Example: Carving a simple geometric pendant by cutting and shaping a piece of modeling wax using a flat gouge and a round chipper.

Chapter 3: Advanced Techniques

* Refining details with specialized tools: gravers, burins, spoon carvers.
* Techniques for creating undercuts, cavities, and complex shapes.
* Using texturing tools to add depth and interest.

Example: Creating a floral ring by carving a wax model with intricate details using a variety of gravers and chisels, then adding texture with a fine-toothed file.

Chapter 4: Design Considerations

* Principles of design applied to wax carving.
* Proportion, balance, and composition.
* Creating harmony and visual impact through shape, form, and detail.

Example: Designing a pendant necklace that incorporates organic shapes and flowing lines, considering the balance of positive and negative space.

Chapter 5: Casting and Finishing

* Overview of casting techniques used in jewelry making.
* Preparing wax models for investment casting.
* Casting process and post-casting finishing.

Example: Casting the wax model of the floral ring in silver, removing sprues and gates, and finishing the surface with polishing and oxidation techniques.

Chapter 6: Special Projects

* Advanced wax carving applications, such as carving hollow forms, creating multi-part models, and using wax as a prototype.
* Demonstrating creative and innovative techniques in wax carving.

Example: Creating a detailed miniature animal sculpture by carving a wax model with intricate details, adding texture with a variety of tools, and casting it in bronze.

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting

* Common problems encountered in wax carving and their solutions.
* Techniques for fixing defects, repairing damaged models, and preventing errors.

Example: Identifying and correcting wax shrinkage, fixing a broken carving, and ensuring proper melting and pouring of wax.