In the realm of jewellery making, one ancient technique stands out for its intricacy and enduring value – lost wax casting. This technique, which has its roots in antiquity, continues to be a cornerstone of modern jewellery creation. At PoundTown Jewellery & Design, we blend this time-honoured method with state-of-the-art technology to craft unique pieces that tell a personal story.
Lost wax casting, also known as investment casting, is a process that has been used for thousands of years, across different cultures and continents. The fundamental principle behind it remains unchanged - creating a replica of the desired object in wax, casting it in a mould, and then pouring molten metal into the mould to produce the final piece. This process begins with the creation of a detailed wax model of the intended piece. The model can be sculpted by hand, but at PoundTown, we leverage the precision of 3D printing technology to ensure every detail is captured flawlessly.
Once the wax model is perfect, it's time for the next phase - investing. Investing involves creating a mould around the wax model. This is typically done by immersing the model in a liquid investment material, which hardens to form a shell. This shell is then heated, causing the wax to melt and drain away - hence the term "lost wax." What remains is a detailed mould of the original wax model. The final step is casting. Molten metal is carefully poured into the investment mould. Once the metal has cooled and solidified, the investment shell is broken away, revealing a rough casting of the jewellery piece. This casting is then hand-finished and polished, transforming it into the final product - a beautiful, unique piece of jewellery.
The beauty of lost wax casting lies in its ability to capture intricate details, allowing for a high degree of design flexibility. Its timelessness resides in its enduring relevance, its adaptability, and the universal appreciation for the craftsmanship it requires. At PoundTown Jewellery & Design, we continue to honour the art of lost wax casting. We meld it with 3D design and printing technology to create pieces that are not only beautiful but also carry a piece of history, encapsulating the eternal dance between the old and the new. This, we believe, is the true art and charm of lost wax casting.
