Gold casting is a goldsmithing process in which a model is created by carving, growing, or printing an exact replica of the eventual jewelry. The casting mold is created using a wax model and is then heated to extreme temperatures, thereby melting away the wax to leave a cavity in the middle of the mold. Next, a temperature resistant Plaster-of-Paris-type material (investment) is poured around the mold (this step is called investing).
The wax mold and molten gold within it are afterwards immersed in cold water, so that the mold vaporizes to reveal a new piece of gold jewelry.
For custom jewelry, the instructions for making jewelry may be nothing more than the jeweler’s notes listing the materials need for constructing the jewelry, a diagram of the setting the gemstone and the size or amount of the material. For instance, jewelry making instructions for a gold earring with a custom design would include the number of ounces of gold to be used, the dimensions of the earring, the type of clasp and most importantly, the custom extrusion design. The jewelry must be approved both from a beauty and sales perspective and an assessment made of its manufacturability.
If you opt to sculpt your own models, note that it is a labor intensive process that requires specialized skills and lots of tools. Some of the things you are going to need are: a mask or respirator, safety gloves and goggles, a precision knife, crafters’ wax, casting flask, grinder, gypsum-based investment mold material, kiln, hammer, metal buffing wheel, vacuum chamber, centrifugal casting machine, foundry, pouring crucible, acid bath, files, enamel clothes, polishes. If you planned on setting a stone, then you also have to do it yourself. The need to use certain specific washes for some metals may even arise. If you insist on towing this lane however, sculpting tools are available at many arts and crafts stores. You may also order casting wax from jewelry tool suppliers.
If you would like to have a piece designed in a certain way, or have your heirloom diamonds or gemstones set in a new piece, perhaps with the same essence expressed by an example you found elsewhere, your jeweler should be able to arrange a new piece that meets your expectations.
One sure thing about gold jewelry is that they are timeless pieces that are always in style. Why not take out those old pieces of jewelry that are in the bottom of your jewelry box and make them into something new and exciting? If you are interested in creating your own jewelry using the casting technique, you can be assured that your goal is obtainable.
