01 / MOULD
The process begins by forming a negative mould in casting sand. The original form is pressed into the sand before being carefully removed, leaving the shape that will become the final piece.
Each mould is prepared individually for the casting.
02 / MELT
Sterling silver is heated in a crucible until it reaches a molten state, ready to be poured into the prepared mould.
The silver used for casting can include new material as well as clean silver recovered from previous work.
03 / POUR
The molten silver is poured directly into the prepared sand mould, filling the negative space and taking the shape of the original form.
The timing and temperature of the pour can affect the final casting, making each pour slightly different.
04 / REVEAL
Once the silver has cooled, the mould is broken apart to reveal the raw casting.
At this stage, the piece is still covered in casting sand and retains the rough surface and excess material from the casting process.
05 / CLEAN
The raw casting is cleaned by removing excess silver, filing the edges and refining the surface.
This is where the rough casting begins to take its final shape. Details are cleaned up while the natural character of the casting is kept intact.
06 / FABRICATE
Not every part of a piece comes directly from the casting.
Silver is rolled and formed in the studio to create the smaller components used in assembly, including jump rings, bails, wire and other structural parts.
These components are then cut, shaped and soldered together by hand.
07 / ASSEMBLE
Once the individual components are prepared, they are assembled and soldered together by hand.
Each connection is cleaned and checked before the piece moves on to its final finish.
