Steps to the creation Process
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You, me, an idea and our design table.

Let's set aside some time for a one-on-one discussion in the brightly-colored Casual Ore Formal studio. There, we will plan out how to bring your vision to life, no matter how ambitious your idea may be. Bring pictures, concepts, and even old gold/stones that may contribute to your piece. Elizabeth puts a lot of time and effort into ensuring you will have a solid piece of wearable art that is catered to your needs. This consultation is FREE!
  1. Schedule your meeting time
    This is no sales pitch over a glass counter: I want to devote time to listen to your jewelry needs with thoughtful conversation and consideration. Bring your ideas big or small - I’m excited to hear them! 

  2. Design grows as conversation flows
    After communicating your thoughts, needs, and inspiration for your specific jewelry piece, I will share my design thoughts and then draft a carefully laid-out plan.

  3. Taking it from 2D to 3D
    I will carve your piece out of wax and/or construct certain elements out of metal, making the design come to life in its 3D form,  

How It's Done:
​Lost wax Casting

Through patience, a steady hand, and a strong mind’s eye view of the design metalsmith Elizabeth transforms wax wire, sheet, and block into jewelry. The design possibilities are countless!

  1. Once I have a plan for the design, I carve the wax so that it takes the shape of its desired state in metal.
  2. Following a little more preparation, a plaster-like substance called investment is poured into a container with the wax in the center. which then hardens over a few hours.
  3. The wax and investment are heated in a kiln, which burns out the wax and leaves the design's negative shape in the investment.
  4. Then liquid metal is injected into the mold, usually with the help of a specially-designed centrifuge. Centrifugal force injects the liquid metal into the investment.
  5. When the metal cools I take the design out of the investment for cleaning and polish.
  6. If the design features stones or patinas, I will add them now.

And then the design is complete and ready to take home!