Lost Wax Jewellery

Wax Modelling & Casting

Learn traditional lost wax casting techniques and design your own jewellery in carving wax before it is professionally cast in the metal of your choice.

Working in wax allows you to carve into the material, build onto it, join components together and experiment with more sculptural forms than are easily achieved directly in sheet and wire.

This course is beginner friendly and also ideal for those who’ve completed silversmithing or trained elsewhere and would like to deepen their design skills.

Book Sept

what you’ll learn

• Subtractive carving (removing wax to shape your design)
• Additive modelling (building up wax using molten wax techniques)
• Joining and assembling wax components
• Designing structurally sound pieces for casting
• Surface refinement and finishing
• Preparing your model for professional casting
• Finishing and refining your cast piece in metal

You are not limited to rings — students often create pendants, sculptural bands or multi-part pieces depending on their interests and experience.

Who this course is for

This course works beautifully for:

• Complete beginners who enjoy working three-dimensionally
• Students who have completed a silversmithing course
• Makers who’ve done short wax tasters elsewhere and want more structure
• Anyone who would like to expand their jewellery design possibilities

Maximum 4 students.

Small groups allow me to give individual guidance while you develop your own design.

How the course runs

This course runs as:

Five taught sessions (wax modelling and development)
Casting period (your piece is professionally cast)
Final finishing session (refining your piece in metal)

Casting costs are charged separately and depend on the metal you choose. Most students select sterling silver, but other precious metals are possible.

Practical details

Small group size – maximum 4
All tools provided
Wax included
Casting charged separately
Location – Charlestown, St Austell, Cornwall
Course fee – £245 (casting not included)

Learning with me

My teaching style is calm, structured and supportive.

I demonstrate techniques clearly and give you time to practise properly. Some students like written notes, some prefer repetition, and some work quietly and independently. That’s all welcome here.

My aim is for you to understand the process — not just complete a piece.

Do I need previous jewellery making experience?

No prior experience is essential, although some basic bench skills can be helpful. I guide you step by step through the wax carving process, so beginners and improvers are both welcome.

Is silver and casting included in the course fee?

Your wax models will be professionally cast in silver during the casting break. Details of what is included (and any additional silver costs if applicable) will be explained before casting so there are no surprises.

What happens during the casting break?

During the two-week casting period there are no classes. Your wax pieces are sent away for professional casting in silver, then returned ready for the final finishing session.

What will I make on this course?

You will design and carve your own original wax pieces, which are then cast into silver. they might be charms, pendants, rings etc. The final session focuses on refining, finishing and polishing your completed jewellery.