Lost wax casting jewelry, also known as investment casting, is a process of metal casting in which molten metal is poured into a predetermined mold, which was previously created using a wax model that has since been melted and drained out. This process has been around for thousands of years, and at MKM Jewelry, our artisans have the knowledge and skill that it takes to create beautiful pieces of jewelry using lost wax casting jewelry process.
Depending on the materials required for the project at hand, however, there are a variety of different methods that our experts use for completion.
Low Temperature
When working with soft metals, such as gold, silver, and bronze, melting temperatures are much lower than with durable metals. This means that the material needs to be cast at a relatively low temperature (1,500 - 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit). For this method, we use a gypsum-bonded investment and the melted metals are gravity-poured with the help of a vacuum assist and pressure over pour, which is both metal efficient and minimizes the possibility of defects.
High Temperature
When working with more durable metals, such as rhodium, the materials must undergo higher temperatures in order to melt down. Anything that melts within the range of 2,200 - 3,800 degrees Fahrenheit falls under our high temperature category. For this method we use a phosphate-bonded investment to cast and the melted metal is centrifugally-poured with a vacuum.
At MKM Jewelry, we work with brass, bronze, silver and copper, but we also can do gold, rhodium, and rose gold/silver plating. Let us help bring your creative vision to life with our lost wax casting jewelry process!