Carved Wax: Hollow Forms | Jewelry Focus

Class Description

Taught by Cyril Despointes.

In this 10 session course students will learn to create a carved wax hollow piece in 2 parts. The 2 parts will be soldered together after casting, creating a unified three dimensional hollow form. This technique will be used for a pendant or a pair of earrings allowing a more comfortable weight in the ear or a lighter pendant. Aside from saving weight, this technique will also enable students to consider a reversible approach to their designs. The piece can be worked by casting, for example, one piece using sterling silver, and one piece in gold, providing two different looks for the same piece. Consideration will be given to creating a seat for a stone if desired.

Students will fully refine their wax models for casting, and then complete their pieces after casting by soldering and using metal finishing techniques. Sprue removal, filing, sanding and polishing will be demonstrated and students should expect to complete at least one pendant or earring during this course.

As this is an advanced course students must have prior wax carving experience, basic jewelry fabrication skills, including soldering and torchwork and familiarity with gemstones. Preparation for stone setting techniques will be discussed as they apply to student’s designs, but stone setting processes will not be taught. 

Metal casting for this class is outsourced and will be the responsibility of the student. A resource list of casting facilities will be provided.

Class size 4 – 12 students. 

There will be a tool kit available for purchase through our Tool Shop. Materials will be available for pick up during your first class.

All students receive a 50% discount on hourly bench rentals throughout the duration of their course.

Refunds & Credit

Please email us at info@bkmetalworks.com to withdraw from class. Withdrawals from class more than 7 days prior to the start of the class will receive a full refund for the class minus a 10% processing fee. If cancellation occurs 3-6 days prior to the class, we will provide a 50% refund. Cancellations 48 hours or less receive a 25% refund. Refunds will not be provided for no-shows or same-day cancellations.

We do not refund tuition for classes that students miss due to their own circumstances. There will be no refunds once the class begins in any circumstance, nor can we transfer you to a later semester. Students enrolled in multi-session studio courses (excluding workshops and intensives) may make-up missed class sessions during open studio hours for up to two weeks after the last class meeting.

We reserve the right to cancel or discontinue any class, in which case you may choose to receive a refund, apply the class credit towards a different course, or receive a tuition credit for future use. Tuition credits are valid for up to one year. Refunds will be issued within 30 days.