In the making of jewellery, there is nothing wizardly about it. It's all a question of imagination, but above all of technique. That's what makes all the difference. But what are the techniques used in jewellery shops to design high quality items, capable of seducing customers?
THE DIFFERENT CASTING TECHNIQUES
To work metals, casting is one of the techniques used in jewellery to obtain the desired shape. There are several techniques used in jewellery:
- hand waxing: for an easier to carve wax, don't forget to heat the tools before use. Easy to master, this process does not require any particular skill.
- cuttlefish bone casting: cuttlefish bone can allow you to design jewellery without welding. Beware! This is a product that can be bought in a specialized shop.
- sand casting: this method has been used for lunar years by our ancestors. The sand is used as the bottom mould and the molten metal is injected into it.
- investment casting: a mould should first be created to serve as a base for the metal.
THE CRIMP!
Crimping is one of the oldest techniques used in jewellery. It consists in fixing the stone(s) on the frame of the jewel. The claw setting is the most common, but also the most delicate. This requires great care during the setting. Then there is the closed setting. In this case, the stone will be surrounded by metal. Then, there is also the grain setting which is intended for small stones. Just like the closed setting, the finishing will be done at the shop. Then there is the nail setting. The nails are prepared to receive the stones before being cut and filed for a perfect result. The rail setting consists of placing the stones between two rails. Finally, the illusion crimp is to make a simulation with the metal. The result is really amazing !!!
THE POLISHING
Polishing is the action of giving the metal a smooth and shiny appearance. There are four main methods of polishing, namely :
- Chemical polishing: which consists of using chemicals to perfect the surface.
- The polishing barrel: a tool that is used to polish metals automatically and effortlessly.
- The polishing lathe: this is a lathe used to polish jewellery using abrasive pastes and brushes (or felts).
- The polishing thread: a cotton thread placed on the paste-induced workbench should be used to polish the surface. This is one of the techniques used in jewellery to reach the most inaccessible parts.
- And before putting the jewel in the window or in its box, so that it shines with a thousand colours, pass a very soft cloth through it.