Wax Carving Models ~ Jewelry

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Inside of wax model

Carving wax models takes precision, and a steady hand. Measuring, marking, keeping it square and flat and centered. These photographs are of my most recent hand carved wax model. This wax carving project of a ladies Cathedral style ring will hold fourteen baguette diamonds and twenty-four round brilliant diamonds. A wax model that will be cast in fourteen karat white gold!

Some say that wax carving is "easy and fun". For ten years I watched many of my former students become instantly frustrated when trying to carve a wax model that was symmetrical. Carve it the same thickness all the way around. Space your stones evenly. Find the middle of the top and keep your sides even.... but the pressure to be precise made many of them walk away. Sure, you can make organic asymmetrical fun filled jewelry. . . but take a look at the market for engagement rings. Symmetrical? It's hard, it's down right difficult, and it takes years of practice to become a great master wax model carver. The organic pieces are beautiful and I've done many, but this style also takes practice and talent.

Another issue is: If you don't have any experience setting stones, then carving a wax model that will hold gemstones is very risky. Who will be setting the stones once the ring is cast... you? Stone setting is a very demanding skill and it takes years to perfect the position of master stone setter. You need to know how to use gravers. No, not engravers, they're called graving tools. They are used to add finishing touches to stone setting. They're finely shaped and sharpened hard steel hand tools used for bright cutting precious metals.

I no longer teach wax carving and jewelry design on a formal level, but I'm looking for students who are committed to working hard and practicing. You need to be focused, sit still, be able to measure, and have excellent "touch" like a feather landing on blades of grass. Teaching and learning can be a lot of fun, but it is also work for both student and teacher.

If you're interested please contact me for secrets of the wax carving profession. I guarantee you'll have fun and learn quickly!

Carve Cautiously,

Margie Mersky

http://www.mmwaxmodels.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MargieMerskyCustomJewelryDesigns

margiemersky@gmail.com