Madame Mak Wax Academy/Wax Build Up Method (Organic Gemstone Rings)

  • $425

Wax Build Up Method (Organic Gemstone Rings)

  • Course
  • 37 Lessons
  • 730-day access

Join me to create these three gemstone rings (and more). In this wax build-up course, I'll show you how to build these ring designs using melted carving wax, and also how to carve some components (from carving wax) to create organic style rings! If you also wish to learn how to polish and set these gems in metal, join the "Metals and Gem Setting" course!

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".

Contents

Introduction (Dahna & the MMWA)

Introduction, plus a video of the type of rings one can achieve using the "organic build-up method".Stay tuned to see what it entails!

Introduction Organic Build Up Course.mp4
Preview
Metal and Wax Examples of Organic Buildup.mp4

Important Safety Info and Tools List

Must watch important safety information, plus the tools list for general wax work and the build-up method!

Important Safety Disclaimer Wax Course.mp4
Safety When Working With Molten Waxes and Wax Organic Vapours.mp4
MMWA Wax Build Up Basic List Of Tools And Safety Gear.pdf

Lost Wax & Organic Build Up Class Notes

Information about the lost wax casting process, plus a step by step guide for building the first foundational ring in this course (the claw ring with a flatback cabochon gemstone).

MMWA Cabochon Claw Organic Wax Freeform Ring Design.pdf
MMWA The Lost Wax Process Summary.pdf

Helpful Lessons Before You Start

A few bonus warm-up technical lessons, before you dive right into the course!

Gemstone Anatomy.mp4
Texturing With Wax Granulation.mp4
Texturing Wax With Scroll Buildup.mp4
Transform A Signet Ring Into A Cabochon Claw Organic Ring.mp4
Remove Cabochon Gemstone From Claw Ring.mp4
Place Gemstone Back Into Claw Mount For Repair Or Detailing.mp4
Wax Weight To Metal Weight Conversion Plus Examples.mp4
MMWA Wax Weight to Metal Weight Conversion Chart.pdf
MMWA Links to MOHS Scale of Hardness Plus Gemstone Ultrasonic Cleaning Information.pdf
Load A Wax Blade Into Your Jewellers Saw Frame.mp4

Build a Claw Ring (Cabochon Gemstone)

In this module I demonstrate how to build a claw ring to fit a flat back cabochon gemstone. It is the most "basic" of the three ring designs that feature in this course, so please start with this one! We use a fusion of hard wax and melted wax to create this ring, in typical "Madame Mak" style!

Build An Organic Claw Jasper Cabochon Ring.mp4
Cabochon Stone Removal From Claw Mount.mp4
How To Get Gemstone Back Into Mount If Needed.mp4
Smooth Internal Diameter Of Organic Rings.mp4
Diagram of Cabochon Claw Setting Comparisons.pdf
Remove Bubbles from Organic Wax Models.mp4

Ring Build Up Method For A Faceted Gemstone

Level up and create gemstone-bedazzled wax models! In this module I show you how to build a ring that contains a faceted gemstone in claws (which is removed from the mount for setting in metal ie. it is not cast in place). This ring is fully built using melted wax. I also demonstrate how to make a "barnacle" setting separately (which also features in the original ring)!

Build An Organic Claw Ring With Faceted Oval Gemstone.mp4
Remove Faceted Gemstone From Organic Claw Ring.mp4
Piercing The Setting Open For Maximal Light.mp4
Resize An Organic Ring Up.mp4
Barnacle Type Setting In Wax.mp4

Build A Non-Traditional Six Claw Solitaire Ring

In this module we advance to building a six-claw solitaire ring in typical unconventional "Madame Mak" style! It's an antique/vintage inspired buttercup type setting, and features a blend of carving hard wax and melting hard wax (a fusion of both techniques). We also carve a tiny flower to add as a side embellishment!

Gemstone Anatomy Illustration.pdf
Build A Six Claw Setting Head For A Solitaire Ring.mp4
Build An Organic Ring To Attach To The Six Claw Head.mp4
Carve A Mini Flower And Weld To Organic Ring.mp4

Shadow Band/Fitted Ring For A Set (Build-Up Method)

In this video I demonstrate how to build a shadow band/a fitted ring to sit beside an existing metal ring (from my own personal stash)! If the organic style is your vibe, this technique is used for creating a secondary ring as part of a fun set, and also for creating a wedding band to fit alongside an existing engagement ring.

Build An Organic Shadow Band To Fit An Existing Ring.mp4

Casting Facilities, Tool Shops & Gem Merchants

A list of casting facilities, tool shops and gemstone merchants to get you connected!

MMWA List of Australian Based and International Jewellery Tool Suppliers.pdf
MMWA List of Australian Based and International Jewellery Casting Facilities.pdf
MMWA List of Australian Based Gemstone Suppliers.pdf
MMWA List of USA Based Gemstone Suppliers.pdf