[Jewelry making - Article 00409] - Re: [Orchid] Pricing those custom waxes

[David L. Huffman]

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Hi Kevin;

    I carve waxes wholesale for retailers and designers. I charge $50
    U.S. per hour. But after 3 decades of wax carving, I'm wicked fast at
    it. It's not because I'm so great, it's just that after doing it so
    long, I don't have to think much about it, I pretty much know where
    the form is in the wax and the steps I'm going to go through to get
    it. Here are some examples. 

    A simple, half round band takes me about 20 minutes. It will be
    completely smooth and finished, the correct size, and ready to cast. 

    A cathedral style engagement ring with some channels on either side
    for stones, about 45 minutes to an hour. 

    Most waxes are medium complex, and usually run 1 to 1 &1/2 hours. 

    Last week day I carved a wax with a square bezel for a princess cut
    surrounded by cluster style set melee which took around 2 &1/2
    hours. 

    I did a copy of an antique filligree ring with 3 bead/plate set
    stones top and center, but if was for someone who doesn't bright cut,
    so it wax "pre-bright cut" ready to just clean up and push beads. It
    was alover pierced and engraved, in the wax. It won't look as crisp
    as one that is properly bright cut and engraved, but it'll be pretty
    good. That one took me nearly 4 hours. 

    For me to spend more than 5 hours on a wax, it would have to be
    either very large or very elaborate. By the way, I work under pretty
    strong magnification, at least a 7 optivisor and sometimes a 10. 

David L. Huffman
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