Gold ornaments are made using a process that involves creating a mold, melting gold, and then polishing the final piece. Here's a breakdown of the typical steps:
The Lost-Wax Casting Method
The primary method used to craft intricate gold ornaments is the lost-wax casting process. This technique involves several key stages:
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Creating a Wax Model:
- A detailed model of the desired ornament is sculpted from wax. This wax model serves as the template for the final gold piece.
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Investing the Wax Model:
- The wax model is carefully encased in a plaster-like material, creating a mold. This investment process ensures a strong and detailed mold.
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Melting Out the Wax:
- The invested mold is then heated in a furnace. This heat melts away the wax, leaving behind a hardened plaster cavity that perfectly replicates the shape of the original wax model. This is where the process gets its name – "lost wax."
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Casting the Gold:
- Molten gold is then poured into the plaster cavity. The heat from the furnace melts the wax jewellery and leaves the hardened cavity of plaster.
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Cooling and Solidification:
- The poured molten gold is allowed to cool and solidify within the mold, taking the exact shape of the cavity.
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Releasing the Gold Ornament:
- The plaster mold is carefully broken away, revealing the rough gold casting.
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Polishing and Finishing:
- The gold casted jewellery is polished to reveal a beautiful piece of jewellery made from gold. This final stage involves refining the surface, removing any imperfections, and adding the desired shine to the finished ornament.
Key Takeaways:
- The lost-wax casting method is ideal for creating complex and intricate designs.
- The process ensures that the final gold ornament closely resembles the original wax model.
- Polishing is crucial to bring out the beauty and lustre of gold jewellery.
