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OUR WORKSHOP
WE HAVE BEEN HANDCRAFTING JEWELLERY SINCE 1982.
1.
Precious metals can be punched into almost any shape. A doming-block with graded semi-spherical holes is used to punch a flat into a dome.
2.
Metals used in jewellery are chosen for their beauty, durability and workability. Gold and silver do not corrode, are easily manipulated and take a high polish. Basic processes are sawing, filing and drilling. Filing gradually smoothes sharp edges and reduces metal to the required shape and size.
3.
Care of every detail requires regular and precise measurement.
4.
The rolling mill is integral to working metals. Sheet and wire are milled down until they reach the correct gauge.
5.
Precise soldering is the forte of an experienced jeweller. Solder is an alloy with a lower melting point than that of the metal being joined, but must be matched to the metal. Some pieces require many soldering stages.
6.
Stages of casting. The rubber mould was made from a pendant........cross. Wax is injected into the mould, creating copies which are then put onto a 'tree'. A metal flask is placed over the tree and plaster poured in to make a mould.
Polishing requires great patience and dexterity. A detailed piece can take many hours of polishing to achieve a high mirror-finish. Different gauges of mop are used with jeweller's rouge to remove all marks and scratches.
8.
Lost wax casting is an ancient technique which plays an important part in jewellery manufacture. It can produce unusual textures and reduce manufacturing time for components. The flask containing the mouldings is heated in a kiln to burn out the wax.
9.
Whilst still hot it is carefully placed in a centrifugal machine; molten metal is then prepared in the crucible on the opposite arm. When the centrifugal machine is 'fired' molten metal is forced into the opening to fill the void left by melting the wax -- hence the 'lost wax' technique.
