The Lost Wax Casting Process: How We Bring Jewellery to Life
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At Olkimos, some pieces of jewellery begin not with metal, but with imagination—shaped by hand into wax or resin. The ancient technique of lost wax casting allows us to transform these delicate models into enduring works of wearable art. In this post, we’ll walk you through how we bring each piece to life using this time-honoured method.
1. It All Begins with a Model
The process starts with a detailed model of the final piece. At Olkimos, we carve this by hand using either traditional jeweller’s wax or high-resolution resin. Every curve, texture, and detail is shaped at this stage—this is where the soul of the piece is born.
Whether we sculpt directly from scratch or modify a 3D print, the goal remains the same: to create a model that captures our design vision with precision and personality.
2. From Model to Mould
Once the model is ready, we attach wax rods (called sprues) to create channels for the molten metal. The entire assembly is then encased in a heat-resistant plaster-like material called investment.
Once the investment hardens, it forms a mould around the model. This is the point where the magic truly begins.
3. The “Lost” Wax Phase
The mould is heated in a kiln until the wax or resin melts and burns away, leaving behind a hollow cavity in the exact shape of the original model. This is the origin of the name “lost wax casting”—the model disappears, but its essence remains.
What’s left is an empty form, waiting to be reborn in metal.
4. Pouring the Metal
With the mould still hot, molten silver is carefully poured or centrifugally forced into the cavity. As the metal flows into every crevice, it captures the finest details of the original model.
Once cooled, the mould is broken open—destroyed in the process—to reveal the cast piece. No two casts are exactly alike; each holds the subtle fingerprint of its own creation.
5. Revealing the Final Form
What follows is hours of hand-finishing. We clean, polish, and refine the piece—cutting away any remnants of the casting process and bringing the surface to life. If the design calls for it, gemstones are set, textures are added, and every edge is softened by touch.
The result: a finished piece of Olkimos jewellery, rich in detail and soul—crafted not just by hand, but by fire, pressure, and time.
Why It Matters
Lost wax casting is not just a technique—it’s a philosophy. It allows us to honour traditional craftsmanship while pushing the boundaries of modern design. Whether it’s a custom signet ring or an intricate pair of earrings, this process ensures every creation is unique, enduring, and deeply personal.
Every cast holds a story—first shaped in wax, then sealed in silver.