The Mask
As you might be able to tell from the awful photos, this was very early in my career as a jeweller, learning a lot as I went along, but still creating a piece that closely resembles my sketch. My biggest lesson from creating this piece was to make sure I order enough material to ensure there is sufficient weight to “push” through the casting and fill the entire cavity, it still came out quite well. But if I had another go at it today, it would come out much cleaner, and those jump rings would definitely be soldered on more evenly! But still, very pleased with the end result considering my experience at the time.
Sketch of "The Mask".
Preliminary wax carving of top and bottom of the main piece.
Finished wax carvings next to casted components.
Delft clay casting from top half of wax carving.
A side by side.
Top half is after filing and buffing, the bottom half is fresh out of casting.
Soldering top half to bottom half.
Main piece next to bar accents.
Half rings ready to be soldered to main piece.
Soldering half rings to accent bars and main piece.
Assembly of all components.
My first hallmark from London Assay Office.
Fully polished and ready to give to one very happy customer!