Wax & Organics Modeling

Wax Modeling & Carving: The Art of Jewelry Prototyping
Discover the art of wax modeling and carving—a foundational skill in jewelry design that allows for intricate, sculptural, and highly customized creations.

In this course, you’ll learn to carve wax models from scratch, using an array of specialized tools, including rotary tools with burrs, wood whittling knives, dental picks, and sculpting tools. We’ll explore the full spectrum of wax varieties, from soft, pliable forms to hard, brittle tooling waxes, ensuring you understand the best materials for different design applications.

This course does not cover metal casting but focuses exclusively on the wax modeling process. However, at the end of the class, you’ll have the option to have your wax model cast into metal, which can then be finished in the follow-up course, “Cleaning & Finishing Castings.” You’ll also learn how to seamlessly hand off your designs to industry professionals, allowing you to create and refine models without needing advanced casting or finishing skills.

Students may create any small jewelry piece, such as a ring, pendant, or earrings, while developing a strong foundation in wax carving techniques. Whether you’re looking to bring your designs to life or refine your prototyping skills, this course offers the essential techniques to start your journey into wax modeling for the lost wax casting process.