How to make a mold for jewelry casting

How to make a silver casting mold

In this article, We will discuss the whole process of jewelry mold making for casting only. It will be divided into two smaller parts: master molds and rubber molds. When a mold is finished, the next step is lost wax casting, which we will discuss in the next article.
We will talk about the mold making process for stamping further. The process is a bit more complex and much more expensive.

Please see the chart below to comprehend our workflow.

Master Molds

for jewelry: traditional, hand-wax, and computer (3D CAD). Each method has different advantages and drawbacks. Therefore, each is suitable for different styles of work.

3 Master Mold Methods

Traditional Method.

The traditional process is an antique method. It directly tackles metal to form master molds. Firstly, molten metal is made. After that, it is cooled down to form a silver rod. Next, the rod is rolled to be a thinner sheet before being cut following the layout. Therefore, this technique is considered less time-consuming and cost-saving. It fits any sheet work.

Hand-wax Method.

Many wax models are created by hand because many artistic patterns are difficult to be done by computers, such as the movement of running horses. The handmade method is processed by talented craftsmen who are increasingly becoming rare nowadays. A craftsman needs to be accurate and delicate to be qualified as a wax molder.

Computer or 3D CAD.

After a designer draws 3D files, we can either print or CNC to create the pieces. Customer’s 3D files are also welcome, as we can undertake various types of 3D files. Because it is the most popular process these days, 3D craftsmen are pervasive. The suitable designs for this method are products with multiple gemstones that need to be equal in size.

Time & Budget :

Therefore, to consider the proper method, a production controller needs to take time, budget, and product attributes into account.

Please see the table below to compare the pros, cons, and suitability of each method.

	Traditional	Hand-wax	Computer
Suitability	suitable for simple pieces, such as initials. or any sheet works, including those with inscribed complicated patterns. because we can laser such complicated patterns and cut the metal sheets according to the lasered layouts.	suitable for artistic works that want to show delicacy, such as horses showing their movements. or any works that need to show natural patterns.	suitable for works that need complex assembling, high accuracy. or the ones that have multiple gemstones, for example, a ring with 20 CZ stones, which must be equally 1.1 mm. in size.
Pros	Low cost and fast	This method can produce a lot of exotic pieces that can hardly be found elsewhere.	As a high-tech, popular, and prevailing method, it is easier to find a CAD designer to do this method for you from around the world.
Cons	It's hard to produce complex models with this method.	This method requires artistic skillful craftsmen, and it's hard to find one.	High cost