In this ONE YEAR course I teach you how to set casting-suitable gemstones directly into wax models for casting in place (in tandem with metal during the lost wax casting process). This course teaches the fundamentals of the setting techniques with round shape gemstones (setting directly into wax).
Note: this course does NOT include lost wax casting.
Students who enrol into this course cannot be upgraded or pay the difference to access the "Madame Mak Wax Academy".
Welcome to this cheeky cast-not-set course, where I teach you cheeky ways to set gemstones directly into wax models for casting in place (in tandem with the wax model during the lost wax casting process). This course assumes you already have wax carving experience, and focuses mostly on the actual setting techniques. Please note, not all casting facilities offer this service (for casting gemstones in place) due to the risk. Please locate a suitable casting company in advance of trying this technique, to avoid disappointment. Enjoy!
Safety and tools list for wax working and the cast-not-set course!
I have compiled my cast-not-set class/theory notes, for your reference! The document contains some fundamental "rules" for employing this cheeky setting-in-wax technique. This theory is based on my personal experience, as I am well seasoned with this setting technique, and the guide outlines what "to do" and what to avoid when you're setting gemstones directly in wax for casting in place (in tandem with the metal of your choice). It also includes step by step instructions for flush setting small round gems into a wax ring model. I have also included a handy summary of the lost wax casting process which ensues once your wax model has been prepared!
A few helpful wax working lessons to work through and practice before you start with the cast-not-set course work! Try these techniques before moving to the setting component, as a warm up!
In the first video I demonstrate four different setting techniques for setting cast-able gemstones directly into wax models for casting in place (also known as cast-not-set). We carve a basic stacking ring from scratch in the first tutorial and cover the fundamentals of each different style of setting. I present to class with pre-carved rings for the remainder of the tutorials, which I carved in advance of the "setting" stage.
A Directory of casting facilities and tool shops (Australia & international) plus gem merchants (Australia & USA). Please note, not all casting facilities offer this service (cast-not-set/cast-in-place) due to the risk of damage to the gemstones. It is best to find a caster who offers this service before commencing any work of this nature, to avoid disappointment!