What is jewelry wax?
Wax is a commonly used material in the jewelry-making process. It is a type of substance that is malleable when heated and solidifies when cooled down. In jewelry making, wax is used to create a prototype of the final product before it is cast in metal. This process is known as "lost-wax casting".
How to create a jewelry wax model?
To create a wax model, a jewelry designer will sculpt the wax by hand or using a carving tool. Alternatively, they may use a 3D printer to create a digital model of the design and then print it in wax. The wax model is then used to make a mold of the final piece.
The mold is made by coating the wax model in a heat-resistant material, such as plaster, and then burning out the wax in a furnace. The empty space left by the melted wax is then filled with molten metal, which takes on the shape of the original wax model.
Why is wax used in the jewelry making process?
Wax is preferred in the jewelry-making process because of its ease of use and its ability to capture fine details. The use of wax also allows for more intricate designs to be created. Wax can be carved and manipulated to create designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with other materials
In addition to its use in lost-wax casting, wax is also used in jewelry repair. It can be used to fill in gaps or to make small adjustments to a piece of jewelry. Wax is also used to create temporary settings for loose stones before they are permanently set.
Overall, wax is a versatile material that plays a critical role in the jewelry-making process. Its ability to capture fine details and create intricate designs makes it an invaluable tool for jewelry designers and manufacturers.