Casting Jewelry
Cast jewelry, also known as Lost Wax Technique, is one of the oldest techniques of silversmithing. It involves the creation of a wax jewel (model made of wax), applying the casting process, which then turns into metal.
Through wax sculpting and micro sculpture, we learn how to create plastic forms by making three-dimensional jewelry and other objects/works of art.
Inspiration is drawn from forms of the natural world (organic and inorganic), jewelry from ancient to modern times and works of art in general.
Tutor: Dimitris Nikolaidis
The course’s syllabus includes:
1st cycle
Cast jewelry using soft wax
39 hours / October, 12, 2026 – January, 22, 2027
2nd cycle
Micro sculpture on hard wax
48 hours / January, 25 – June, 11 2027
The syllabus will be completed in 2 cycles of 87 hours of classes in total. Registration for each cycle is realized in September and December respectively. There is also the option to attend one cycle.
1st cycle – Cast jewelry using soft wax
The 1st cycle in Cast Jewelry involves the creation of flat and three-dimensional jewelry with fine sheets of soft wax. We create various types of jewelry, such as rings, bracelets, earrings and brooches.
We apply several techniques – stencils, embossed, engraved, articulated, decorated with granules – and create textures and prints to embellish surfaces.
Then, objects are casted (wax to be replaced by metal) in order for metal processing to follow: filing, welding, patina, placement of minerals in special cases (bezels), casting metal together with mineral elements and selective metal platings. We also, make basic types of wire finishes.
Course Duration: 39 hours / Morning class: October, 12 2026– January, 18 2027 & Evening class: October, 16 2026– January, 22 2026
Course’s Day: Monday 11.00-14.00 or Friday, 18:00 – 21:00
Number of participants: 6 to 10 people
Participation fee: 480 € + VAT 24%
Course tutor: Dimitris Nikolaidis
Participants undertake the cost of necessary materials.
2nd cycle – Micro sculpture on hard wax
An introduction into the world of three-dimensional forms – small sculptures/jewelry. In this cycle, we discover the world of micro sculpture by using specialized hard wax. We use handmade and readymade tools (e.g. cutter, graver) in order to create jewelry and sculpture forms by removing material from a three-dimensional wax mass.
We apply several techniques (embossed, engraved, articulated, decorated with granules). Make cases for minerals (bezels) and finishes and learn to inlay metal into metal.
Additionally, advice and guidance are given for the finishing of casted objects, which include basic silversmithing techniques.
Course Duration: 48 hours / Morning class: January, 25 – June, 7 2027 & Evening class: January, 29 – June, 11 2027
Course’s Day: Monday 11.00-14.00 or Friday 18:00 – 21:00
Number of participants: 6 to 10 people
Participation fee: 570 € + VAT 24%
Course tutor: Dimitris Nikolaidis
Participants undertake the cost of necessary materials.