Stone-in-place casting is quickly becoming one of our most popular services. But many makers still are not aware of where or how to cast wax with diamonds or gemstones, so we thought we would share some of our most frequently asked questions about casting stones in place.
“What is stone-in-place casting?”
Stone-in-place casting is a jewellery production technique primarily used by those who create wax masters by hand. Diamonds or hardy gemstones are set directly into the wax master before being cast. As the molten metal flows around the stones and cools, it sets the stones securely into the design. This bypasses the need to set stones by hand in a more traditional way.
“What stones do you accept for casting in place?”
Preferably diamonds, sapphires and rubies as these are less likely to be damaged by heat. Be mindful of the stones you choose to use in your waxes and check the Mohs scale of hardness if you are unsure. The higher the resistance and hardness the better.
“Can I use synthetic stones for stone-in-place casting?”
We have had good results with man-made stones but we cannot always predict how different lab-grown stones will behave. We cannot guarantee the success of any stone-in-place design.
“Is there anything I should consider when designing and making the wax master?”
For best results we recommend incorporating back holes into your design. Holes at the rear of stones help them stay in place and lower the chances of casting failure.
“Is there a risk of the cast failing?”
Yes. Stones can be temperamental under the best of circumstances. Stones can crack, fall out or disappear inside the metal. This is not a guaranteed service.
“What’s the turn-around time?”
Stone-in-place wax casting takes place weekly as and when needed.
The images featured in this blog feature stone-in-place pieces by Rockpool Jewellery. They are a great example of how you can incorporate the cast-in-place technique into your work. If you have more questions or want to chat about any of our services please get in touch.
