Platinum jewelry is primarily crafted using a process called lost-wax casting, especially for pieces made from pure platinum.
Pure platinum jewellery is made using a process called “lost-wax casting”, in which a model of the desired piece is sculpted from wax. This model is then used to create a mould, into which molten platinum is then poured.
The Lost-Wax Casting Process Explained
The lost-wax casting method is a precise technique used for creating intricate metal objects, including high-quality platinum jewelry. Here's a breakdown of the key steps as described:
- Creating the Wax Model: The process begins with sculpting a detailed model of the desired jewelry piece out of wax. This wax model is an exact replica of what the final metal piece will look like.
- Forming the Mold: The wax model is then used to create a mold around it. This mold is typically made from a heat-resistant material.
- Melting Out the Wax: Once the mold is set, it is heated, causing the wax model inside to melt and drain away through channels designed for this purpose. This leaves a hollow cavity within the mold that has the exact shape of the original wax model.
- Pouring Molten Platinum: Molten platinum, heated to a very high temperature, is then carefully poured into the hollow cavity of the mold.
- Cooling and Finishing: After the platinum cools and solidifies, the mold is broken away to reveal the raw platinum casting. This casting then undergoes further processes such as cleaning, polishing, and setting stones to become the finished piece of platinum jewelry.
Casting Steps
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Sculpt Wax Model | Create a replica of the desired jewelry piece. |
| 2. Create Mold | Build a mold around the wax model. |
| 3. Melt Wax Out | Heat the mold to remove the wax, leaving a cavity. |
| 4. Pour Molten Metal | Fill the mold cavity with molten platinum. |
This method allows for the creation of complex and detailed designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with other manufacturing techniques, making it ideal for crafting exquisite platinum jewelry.
