AboutThomas Expertise A lot of hobbyist are out there looking for answers, lapidary, jewelry making craft, etc. I can answer to many topics in those areas. I do not generally deal with costume jewelry but can give some advice regarding such. Note that I do not string pearls(or other bead work) or do twisted wire work jewelry. I can give info on gemstones and jewelry making tools and techniques.
Experience Experience: Over 25 years as a professional jeweler, working at the bench with the everyday problems of everyday people, plus good knnowledge on the do`s and dont`t, what to expect, what is unexpected, how to get beyond the simple into a rewarding hobby.
Clients: Owned and operated a "trade shop" servicing designers, retail jewelers, etc, and owned and operated a school for jewelers now gone by the wayside due to certain personal and economic conditions). I produced fine jewelry for one national opal company. Also lectured, demonstrated, and taught at the request of clubs, societies,etc.
Question I have a question for you concerning ring casting. I have carved the ring in question in wax. I now need to send this to a casting house to actually cast the ring. Do you have a recommendation?
Answer Wes, I do not have a ready name of a caster to recommend. Some depends on the metal you want to use and if you are a hobbyist or have a operating business.
For an operating business, I would suggest you contact Stuller Settings at www.stuller.com This is a copy and paste link since links are not active on allexperts. Ask for "special services" and casting. They have done a fine job for us in the past.
If a hobbyist, I suggest you try some of the casters who advertise in the former Lapidary Journal, now changed to Jewelry Artists in magazine name. The old name works for the web site but the ads are not there except for classifieds. www.lapidaryjournal.com
Since you will likely have to visit a rock shop to find this magazine, I will list a few of the casters who advertise there. Then, I suggest contacting them and finding the rates, turnaround time, etc. An alternative is to contact a local rock shop or business catering to those who make jewelry and ask if any local folks will do casting for others. Some will do a fine job, others will not. Also, local colleges and high schools often offer non-credit courses in jewelry work and some of those may be willing to do the casting, if set up for casting work.
Here are some places to check:
www.cranstoncasting.com
I used these folks once many years ago and they did a fine job of the casting.
This one I have not used but is there to check out:
www.alpinecasting.com
I do hope all goes well in this project. I really like to carve waxes, using mostly the purple wax from Ferris. I use hard blue inlay wax for filler when needed.
Let me know how it goes if you get the chance and think about it.
