[Jewelry making - Article 00516] - Re: [Orchid] Fabrication charges or wax vs metal

[leonid Surpin]

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Shawn,

    I also do not use casting except for miniature sculpture which is
    not possible to do in repousse'. The reasons are many, and it is not
    possible to go into all of them here. Primarily, the metal structure
    of hand worked piece is far superior, the piece can be made lighter
    and stronger than with casting. Due to improved metal structure, the
    jewellery retains polish much longer, ( formation of Beilby layer is
    easier ) Gemstones are held with more security. Support structure can
    be design to absorb shocks which jewellery encounters in daily use,
    and etc. The total appearance is more elegant and refined. 

    Casting, even when done carefully, falls short on all these accounts.
    The only benefit is casting can be done cheaply. 

    However, it does not mean that casting should not used in jewellery,
    provided that limitations are recognized and dealt with. Metal
    structure can be improved with chasing; do not design pieces which
    require polishing; do not use casting for jewellery which must be
    light a.k.a earrings; setting which utilize metal elasticity should
    not used as well. The list of do and don'ts is quite long. The main
    point to keep in mind, as an artist working in metal, you must be
    very familiar with the properties of the metal and design your pieces
    accordingly. Outside of that, you can let your imagination roam free. 


Leonid Surpin
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