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Tom starts with a collaboration of ideas that the customer brings to the table and his expertise to create a design. Once a design sketch is finalized and given the go ahead, the wax model is created. |
Sketch to start from.
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Wax model with a stone set in it.
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Using various tools and techniques, the wax is sculpted to create a three-dimensional representation of the sketch and fitted with stones if there are any in the design. This wax then gets put into a plaster mold and goes into a kiln to be fired.
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During the firing process the plaster hardens and loses any moisture and the wax melts out of the bottom of the plaster mold. This is why this process is called lost-wax casting. |
Wax models ready to be put in plaster molds.
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The piece after it is cast and before it is finished and set with stones.
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After the plaster mold is done firing in the kiln, it is time for the casting. Casting is heating up the metal of choice to its melting point and, using a centrifuge, slinging the metal into the cavity the wax left in the plaster model. |
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After the casting is completed, the piece of jewelry gets filed, polished, set with stones if there are any, and presented to the customer. |
A J-Shape pendant set with a customer's diamond on a wheat chain.
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