Wax Carving for Large Faceted Bezel Set Gem Stones

Colorado Center for Metal Arts (Pueblo) August 11-14

About this course

This 4 day workshop will cover various approaches for hand carving wax prototypes for larger, bezel set faceted gem stones and everything that you need to consider when creating a jewelry design with a larger stone for casting. We will be covering wax options and working qualities, design options, structural needs to securely hold the stone for durability, the various waxes that are available, the tools needed and possible methods for creating a design in your aesthetic.

The first 2 days will involve a broad range of wax carving techniques that will focus on a carved bezel incorporated into your design to hold a large faceted gemstone. The last part of the 2nd day we will invest your wax models for casting. The early part of day three, while the waxes are being burned out for casting you will learn how to bead and flush set using a supplied practice ring. We will be casting during the afternoon of day three. Day four we will clean up your castings, finishing up the last few hours of the workshop with hammer setting your bezel set stones.

Day 1-2: Carving Techniques

The first 2 days will involve a broad range of wax carving techniques that will focus on a carved bezel incorporated into your design to hold a large faceted gemstone.

Day 2: Wax Models for Casting

The last part of the 2nd day we will invest your wax models for casting.

Day 3: Burn-out, Bead & Flush Setting, and Casting

The early part of day three, while the waxes are being burned out for casting you will learn how to bead and flush set using a supplied practice ring. We will be casting during the afternoon of day three.

Day 4: Cleanup and Finish

Day four we will clean up your castings, finishing up the last few hours of the workshop with hammer setting your bezel set stones.

Details:

Dates – Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun
Aug 11, 2023 – Aug 14, 2023
Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm MDT
Location: 625 S Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004
Capacity: 10 Students

Class Requirements:

Intermediate Class. Basic jeweler and metal smithing skill levels required.

Materials and Supplies:

Tools and supplies needed:

Larger faceted gem. This could be any faceted stone that you have on hand, or purchased. I will be bringing some of my own stones that will be for sale.
1 ounce sterling silver for casting. This can be casting grain, or new silver without solder.
Flat top wax tubing (Green). Rio- Item #: 700512
Sprue wax. Rio- Item #: 700042
Wax file. Rio- Item #: 11486
Matt™ Ring tube sizer. Rio- Item #: 700570
Wolf wax tool set. Rio- Item #: 700351
Rotary tool (flex shaft or micro motor)
Wax saw. Rio- Item #: 700291
Wax bur set. Rio- Item #: 346193
8.9mm setting bur. Rio- Item #: 345731
X-acto (with a new blade)
Heating tool. Candle, alcohol lamp, wax pen, etc.
There are some wonderful electric wax pens, which is what I use in my studio, but they can be expensive. A good, more affordable alternative to get started is one of the battery powered wax pens. Rio- Item #: 700395
3M Sponge sanding pad. Rio- Item #: 337318
Small piece of old t-shirt or cotton fabric for polishing wax