Crafting the Olive Branch Ring: A Journey Through the Lost Wax Process - Part 3

Hand Sculpted Olive Branch wax model with a 3mm round Diamond (shown) 

or a gemstone such as a Moss Agate, Emerald, etc...

Part 4 will be available once the ring has gone through the last process, casting the ring in sterling silver. 

The design consisting of 10 olive leaves and 3 olives.

What's Next?

Since you asked about the production process and we’ve been discussing the rose gold version of your wax model ring, I’ll assume you’re interested in the process of transforming a wax model into a rose gold ring, as this aligns with your earlier request. Here’s an overview based on general jewelry-making practices:

The production process for turning a wax model into a Sterling Silver, or 14k/18k gold ring typically involves several steps.

1. **Wax Model Creation**: The process starts with your wax model. Part 1 - 3

2. **Sprueing**: A wax sprue (a channel) is attached to the model, connecting it to a wax stem. This will later allow molten metal to flow into the mold.

3. **Investment**: The wax model and sprue are placed in a flask, which is filled with a heat-resistant investment material (a plaster-like substance). Once it hardens, it forms a mold around the wax.

4. **Burnout**: The flask is heated in a kiln to melt and burn away the wax, leaving a cavity in the shape of the ring within the investment mold.

5. **Casting**: Molten rose gold, an alloy of pure gold (typically 75% for 18K or 58% for 14K) mixed with copper (and sometimes silver) to achieve the pink hue, is poured into the cavity. This is done using centrifugal or vacuum casting to ensure the metal fills the mold completely.

6. **Cooling and Removal**: After the metal solidifies, the investment mold is broken away, and the rough cast ring is removed.

7. **Finishing**: The ring undergoes cleaning to remove residue, followed by filing, sanding, and polishing to smooth the surface. The stone is set, and additional detailing (e.g., texturing the leaf design) may be added.

8. **Quality Check**: The final piece is inspected for accuracy, durability, and finish before being delivered.

This process can take several days, depending on complexity and craftsmanship.