The last couple of weeks I've been experiencing a renewed interest in making jewelry. More specifically, in making lost-wax castings in silver. I took a class in this technique at The Art League a few years ago, and produced a few pieces that I am (still) really proud of:

Looking back through all my old photos is really making me want to pick this up again!

The process is incredibly easy: Buy wax (it comes in pre-shaped tubes for rings, as well as in sheet or wire form) and a few simple carving tools. Carve a shape in the wax, and send it off to a foundry to be cast. In a week or so they send you an exact replica of your carving in metal! You don't ever get your wax back, but you can have them make a mold of it so more castings can be made.

You pay for labor and the weight of the metal used. In the case of the castings above, each ring only cost between $10 and $12 worth of sterling silver. You can get the castings back unfinished (potentially with chunks of metal left over from the casting process, called sprues, still attached), or some foundries will polish or tumble your pieces for an extra fee.

In my head I can already feel dozens of ring ideas forming... or ornately carved pendants... or Christmas ornaments for next year... :)