Wax Carving Techniques for Jewelry Design

Ever thought about designing a customized ring for yourself or someone close to you? Award-winning jewelry designer Elsa Tierney finds nothing more meditative than the intricate process of carving, filing, and dusting off her wax sculptures, destined to become bespoke pieces of jewelry.

In this online course, discover the ancient art of lost wax casting to produce a timeless piece of jewelry that you can treasure forever. Explore a variety of techniques to transform wax into wearable accessories that reflect your unique style.

Start by meeting your teacher, Elsa Tierney, who talks about her work and background, as well as her biggest sources of inspiration, including ancient artifacts from all over the globe and artists like Tamara De’Lempicka, Brancusi, and Man Ray.

Then hear a brief history of wax carving and take an in-depth look at the materials needed for the course. After exploring the various waxes and experimenting to discover their different properties and uses, see how to do your technical sketch and familiarize yourself with some essential ring terminology.

Discover how to transfer your design from 2D to 3D by measuring, cutting, and sculpting your basic ring shape. Elsa guides you through the various filing stages and how to size your ring mold, refine the structure, and play around with texture. She also demonstrates how to make your signet ring perfectly symmetrical.

Next, your teacher shows you a freehand approach for the final details, before sanding, smoothing, and polishing your finished piece.