From Wax => 1-Carat size, Diamond Ring!

 I'm not a 'talented' wax-carver, but I've seen many "Wax-Carvers" give me guidance in creating waxes and then using these techniques to write this tutorial essay.

 I'm not using any "Computer-Aided Designing" for this essay, as it's too much of a 'learning curve' to introduce you to this essay. Plus, not everyone will have this expensive computer program, I'm showing you everything made by my "hands & fingers".

 BTW, If you don't approve of my techniques, you can email me  "gerrylewy18(at)gmail.com".

 "Taf Schaefer" (from Ganoksin), asked me to give her some guidance in making a gold ring for women who 'live and enjoy their very adventurous, lifestyle'.

 A 4-claw, or even a 6-claw-setting, is so very dangerous in wearing their stone in these delicate conditions as these might get (quickly) lost or have some of the claws move.

 Taf is making (or has made) a 1-carat diamond ring, but this ring must be made so that there won't be any problems with wearing it during their "very active lifestyle". I now see her reasons for creating her "Tube-Set", 1-carat diamond ring.

 At first, I hesitated, but after her repeated questioning, I proceeded to make this into a tutorial-teaching essay but using a 6.5mm cubic zirconia instead. 

  Please be forewarned, many wax carvers have their own professional techniques, I'm only doing the best under the circumstances.

 I, as a Diamond Setter, will do my very best to show how to initially make a 6.5mm "Tube-Setting" and then "heat" this stone into the tube opening, removing it for the actual metal casting".

 Shall we start now?

1) This is a photograph of what "Taf" is asking about. You can see just how much gold will be used around the Girdle of the 1-carat Diamond. We've decided upon a rather simple pattern, but sturdy enough to hold this expensive diamond. We decided NOT TO USE C.A.D. (Computer-Aided Designing) as we both want to explore other options. 

2) Please measure accurately the precise millimeters of the diameter of the stone. Here the stone is 11.01 mm in width.

3) Lay your stone on a wax form. I would prefer to slowly heat this stone so it won't move during the next few stages of wax shaping.

3) I will NOW remove what wax pieces that aren't to be used. Slowly you can see the shape take place.

4) At last this is a nice-looking TUBE. At this point, I put a ring of wax wire all around the Girdle of the stone. 

This wire will hold the diamond at all times. YES, some of the wire will cover the stone, remember we are not using a claw-mounted ring, but only "A FULL-BEZEL TOP".

5) I will now remove the 'heated stone' from its "new home" and core out the inside of the wax frame. If I don't do this, it will just be a "chock full of wax" for casting into metal. This must be hollowed out, with a specifically made round bur with only 3 teeth.

 This bur carves & removes all the wax that is not required, nice isn't it?

6) With your "Exacta-knife", cut back as much of this Tube as to your needs.

7) Once you've decided on the length of the tube, I would trim as much of the bottom section that you will feel comfortable with.

 8) If by any chance you are not totally satisfied with your results, please keep the wireframe that is made for your large stone. You can always make another tube, I would.

9) Here are the two samples that I'm using for this essay.

I sincerely hope that this essay sheds some light on how to prepare your wax carving process. Gerry Lewy!