Friday, 22 August 2025

From a 'Wax form to a Silver cluster' => 25 photos

 This essay illustrates the process and the techniques from a wax to the finished item.

The first step is to remove any unwanted remnants of wax from the wax injection.

                  =================================

 I'll use my Flat graver #12 as a cutting blade to do the cleaning.

 

   All of the 'wax claws' must be inspected for quality and not bent out of shape.

 

 When the silver pendant is warmed (not heated) and it is placed upon the shellac, all of the holes must be drilled clean with a "twist drill".


   Select the stones for colour and uniformity in size.

   Please be precise in your stone selection.

 Clean out the Pavilion openings for each stone.

  If possible, pre-polish the pendant. Why? Once the stones are set, the chances of complete polishing have been greatly reduced.

 

 The 'pavilion openings' must be perfectly 'round' and not oval as they seem to be here.

In using the "156C" undercutting bur, create a seat for each stone.

  This claw opening is the ultimate shape for all of these stones.

 
 Kindly be more selective in choosing your stones. If the stone has a thicker girdle, 'don't use it', as it will be difficult to set.

 I would use a simple pair of pliers to move the outer claw outward. 


  When the 'seats' have been created, you should tighten each stone.
 This bur will be the only bur to use to create seats for each stone. Drill one claw at a time; never drill all of them at once.

  Start your 'stone setting' with the outside claws first.

 With your pliers, leverage the outside claw against the stone. Never push the claw; you can see just where the plier jaws are located.

 

  In avoiding setting the centre stone at this point, you can now easily position the plier jaws with little effort.

 

 When the centre stone is ready to be set, just position the plier jaws and manoeuvre the claws for the setting.



 When you are creating a seat for each claw, there will be a little flange of metal remaining. GET RID OF IT before the centre stone goes in. I would use a pumice (#180 grit) wheel to do the cleaning.

 I prefer that you use a 'High Speed Steel', aka HSS bur to do the creating of the seat. As this bur is of the same shape as the stone.


 When the stone has been set, there is no chance to remove any of the remaining metal from the sides of the claws. No chance at all!

 The centre claws are now ready to receive the centre stone. If you have the opportunity in 'pre-polishing', please do it NOW!



REVIEW OF PAST TECHNIQUES!
1) Use a thin pair of pliers and bend the claws outward, one claw at a time.


2) Use the "156C" bur and drill the two inner claws at the same time. Then have the bur sitting vertically, then you will have an excellent seat for the outer claw.
3) This cutting bur must be sharp and not badly worn. Why? The chances of creating an accurate 'stone seat' is imperative.


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