Beginners' jewellery III

What is the course about?

Carve, model and experiment with specialist jewellers wax. Learn about the lost wax casting process, outsourcing, and how components and multiples are made. We will also cover low-fi casting methods: Delft-Clay (sand casting) and casting in cuttlefish bone.

You will be shown where to outsource your casting and how to estimate the cost so there are no surprises.

Cuttlefish casting and Delft Clay casting are an excellent way to use up left over silver for those who have accumulated some on their previous courses.

What will we cover?

- Design and carve one or more wax pieces for casting
- Experiment with the different waxes and surface textures
- Pre-calculate the weight and cost of your carved items
- Describe the process of lost wax casting and reproduction
- Make cast items into jewellery pieces finished to a high standard
- Cast metal in delft clay and cuttlefish
- Extended task: Identify the most efficient way to create a small production line


For those continuing from Beginners 1:
- Wax carving
- Calculating the cost of lost wax casting (which is outsourced)
- The process of lost wax casting for jewellery
- Finishing and polishing castings
- Extended exercise : Delft clay or cuttlefish casting

For those continuing from Beginners 2:
- Research a theme and find inspiration
- How to produce a sketchbook with designs for jewellery
- Making paper and clay models followed by copper samples
- Incorporating a new technique relevant to your individual design.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Cut, file and sand metal
- Shape and form metal
- Texture metal using a range of methods
- Drill and polish using machinery
- Silver solder metal
- Work safely observing Health and Safety best practice.
- Make a piece of jewellery
Those returning from term 1:
- Design and carve one or more wax pieces for casting
- Pre-calculate the weight and cost of your carved items
- Describe the process of lost wax casting and reproduction
- Make cast items into jewellery pieces finished to a high standard

Those returning from term 2
- Research a topic
- Design by producing sketches and paper or clay models
- Make one or more copper samples
- Make a final piece of jewellery inspired by a theme and incorporating a new technique of choice.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for complete beginners, and those with jewellery making (but not wax carving) experience.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Optional set projects are provided or your tutor can guide you on how to create your own design right from the start. You will be taught through practical demonstrations both to the group and to individuals. Group discussions and feedback are encouraged.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Casting from wax is outsourced to an external company. To have a piece cast into silver costs about £8-£15 depending on the size. You will learn how to pre-calculate the cost, so there will be no surprises.
In preparation for your course, you could research jewellery made through lost wax casting in shops, books, on search engines and social media sites such as Instagram and Pinterest.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit offer a wide range of short and year-long courses in Jewellery design and making, from beginners to advanced, and for professional development.

Browse our current online offer for complementary courses.Your tutor will also be able to advise you on your course.