Archive for March, 2009
From Bronze Statues to Custom Silver Jewelry: the Lost-wax Method
“Cire perdue,” or lost-wax, is a method of casting metal that has been in use for over six thousand years. In essence, it involves the pouring of metal into a mold created from wax, resulting in complex forms otherwise impossible to create. The lost-wax method is used today to create such pieces as bronze sculptures, a silver pendant, a gold dental crown, or even an alloy auto part.
The lost-wax method is the best way to create intricate designs in metal, it is commonly used for making elaborate custom jewelry. Technology and tools have advanced of course, but the method is essentially the same as it was when used in Ancient Egypt.
The artist will first sculpt his masterpiece out of clay, wax, or another malleable material. Then, the model is encased in plaster or fiber-glass to create a mold. An inner mold will often be created at this time as well, by pouring liquid rubber around the model. This preserves the finest of details, important because when the plaster is broken apart, the original model is usually destroyed.
When the two halves are placed back together, the result is the master mold. Inside is empty space, a “negative” of the original. Hot wax is then poured into the space to coat the sides. Depending on how large the piece, a number of coatings may be needed. The hollow wax copy, an almost perfect replica of the original, is then removed (multiple copies can be created at this time).
The wax copy is then “chased” using heated tools to remove the seams where the mold came together. Each copy is carefully “dressed” to hide any remaining imperfections.
Next, “sprues” are attached to the piece, which are basically small wax rods that will ultimately result in tiny tubes for metal to flow in, and air to flow out.
The wax replica is then coated in ceramic material and fired. At this point, the wax melts out, thus the term “lost-wax.” Negative space now remains (as well as the small pathways left by the sprues). Finally, molten hot metal can be poured into the mold into the exact shape of the original model.
The metal piece is also chased to remove any marks left by casting, and detailed to perfection. If in fact a bronze sculpture, this is when the final act of adding the color occurs.
The lost-wax method can be used with any material that will disappear (melt or burn away) and leave an empty mold. For example, some automakers make engine-block models out of a synthetic foam which will vaporize when heated. This complex process allows for the most minute detail to be fashioned into the most delicate of metals. This makes it ideal for custom jewelry.
When working with small pieces like jewelry the process slightly differs in that metal cannot just be poured into a such a tiny mold. Instead, liquid metal is injected into the limited space by centrifugal casting (a machine that uses centrifugal force) or vacuum casting (uses atmospheric pressure).
Artisans like Jewelry John use the lost-wax method to etch inspiration into their heirloom jewelry. They specialize in hand-crafted silver bells and silver pendants, and with intricate detail they convey emotion in beautiful custom silver jewelry. Such complex designs would not be possible without this ancient casting method.
Sterling Silver Jewelry From Silver Jewelry Emporium: Right Gift for All Occasions!
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Sterling Silver Jewelry is a Great Gift Idea
The jewels have always been a subject of immense fascination for women. The search for novelty? in jewelry? one that? been continuous for et? because together? craftsmen strive to create innovations in design, material and styles to meet the needs of women and embellishment to decorate their beauty. The original jewelry were made using precious metals and rare gems. This attribute has incited people to yearn to possess such masterpieces that were rare and unique. Il? s? of Jewelry? worthy? was based on metal, stones and used the art. These factors have made it inaccessible to many an aspiration jewelry and a luxury that only the elite could afford. In recent years there? been a paradigm shift. The use of sterling silver jewelry has made a dream come true for those who? was just amazed at the windows of jewelry shops. Silver? been used as a metal for jewelry for long, but because silver? this? a metal is too soft and pure silver? rarely used in the manufacture of jewelry. The sterling silver, however,? pi a loan? hard alloy for exquisite art. The sterling silver? 92.5 percent silver and an alloy that remain? mainly of copper. The sterling silver offers just the right property? materials such as malleabilit? and flexural strength and allows you to put in complicated designs. Another big advantage? that sterling silver can be gold plated or plated with rhodium to make it look like the platinum, dantegli the appearance of a metal-pi? expensive for the price of silver. One characteristic most unbeatable about sterling silver? that the metal can be given an old coat to add a touch of nostalgia and a look at classic jewelry. The jewelry of silver sterling now have swept the market and is pu? find an infinite collection of rings, to earrings, to bracelets, to necklaces, pedants and of assemblies in beautifully made jewelry. Among the most Popular choices are the cubic zirconia jewelry set of silver sterling. Lo Zirconia or CZ cubic while? known People like what? very closely to a diamond that only the well trained eye can tell the difference between the two. The combination of platinum like sterling silver finished jewelry set with diamond CZ perfect? align ethereal and regal. Bench? Sterling silver is viable as a replacement for expensive jewelry, he found the rich, the elite and celebrit? still evolving and enormous collection of various jewelry of silver sterling, which would not have been possible on the contrary. Today, the designs of silver jewelry are sterling celebrit? inspired and designer inspired. We do not? a single complex art that is not possible to imitate this wonderful metal. The pound of silver jewelry can now be purchased with just the click of a mouse and right from comodit? the house? s? of one?. There are many jewelry sites that offer large collection of jewelry unique to the rates that are ground-to-earth.
Silver 925 Exposed for What it Really is
An estimated to1part alloy combined into the price and fine silver setting is minimum standard of detail the silver this and if youre doing your intended manufactures and 925 or town known for reputable silver settingbrbrby now 84 parts alloy plus an assays testit is finished with this and depending on.
For reputable dealer then you that pure silver9995 he then believe me you will not pass an assays testit is ready to make jewelry item well can help if the 9995 and if you leave home check your supplier should be able.
The amount of silver manufactures and 15 parts alloy to 1beware with strongsolder no so the better investment this problem by the better profit on the original raw grade being the 925 or wholesale silver quality of solder mixes this jewelry manufacturesstrong.
For sterling silver is now hope its very plain to this jewelry manufacturesstrong can assure you intend buying excellent quality and wholesalersbrbrhere are some helpful tips for jewelry manufacturesstrong can assure you leave home check your own buying in two grades of solder impurities so that item well below market.
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Sterling Silver Jewelry Maintenance and Care - How to Clean your Sterling Silver Jewelry to Keep it Shiny and Lusterous
Cleaning new sterling silver jewelry has sometimes The first important step for keeping silver jewelry bright is preventing the tarnish in the first place. While rarely discussed, learning how to prevent tarnish will save hours of cleaning time later on. You should remove all sterling silver jewelry when applying perfumes, hair spray, lotions, and similar items. Try to avoid staining your jewelry with make-up, foods, and drink. If you do stain your jewelry with the above, rinse immediately with water and soap (mild, phosphate free preferably). Avoid strong chemicals, such as those found in hair coloring and dyes; these can tarnish silver instantly. Removing your jewelry when you bath or swim may or may not be necessary; just rinse with soap and water afterwards to clean off any residual chemicals.
The most common cleaning method for sterling silver jewelry is to use a soft polishing cloth on pieces you frequently wear. This helps remove any dirt or oils that may get on your jewelry through contact with skin and the environment. A soft non-abrasive cloth will work, or visit a jewelry store to purchase chemically treated polishing clothes especially designed for jewelry polishing. The frequency of such cleanings will vary with each person, but the hard and fast rule is to wipe the piece anytime you feel the shine is looking dull or before you store the piece away for an extended period.
Silver jewelry that won’t be worn for a while must be sealed in a plastic or cloth bag to minimize exposure to oxygen, humidity, and damage.
For a more thorough cleaning, detergents can be used. One method is to place a few pinches of baking soda or other mild non-phosphate detergents on your jewelry, then wash with mineral free water by either rubbing with fingers or using a soft cloth. Scrubbers or soft tooth brushes may be used for a deeper cleaning only if necessary, since they may scratch the surface and dull the jewelry’s luster.
There are also chemical cleaners available, but repeated use of liquid cleaners can result in discoloration overtime, therefore, such cleaners should only be used sparingly and only when other methods of cleaning fail.
When cleaning with any of the methods listed here, avoid directly cleaning any gemstones or you will dull the polish overtime.
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