Stone in Place Sand Casting

A sand casting 'stones cast in place' is a technique where you set stones directly into the sand before casting the metal. This allows the stone to be embedded in the metal during the casting process.   

Experience Level. Intermediate
You must have some experience with jewellery making, and ideally have completed our sand casting workshop, or something similar.

​Date:  19th July (fully booked)
​​Day: Saturday 
Time: 12.00 - 17.00 
Price: £140.00 - This includes 20 grams of sterling silver grain, and includes a selection of heat resistant cubic zirconias.  
You are also welcome to bring your silver scrap, and any heat resistant gemstones - like sapphires, emeralds, diamonds and rubies.
I will have a silver grain and a selection of raw sapphires and diamonds which can be purchased on the day.

Tutor: ​Tracy and Amber Hills​​

All enquiries please contact Tracy Hills
Phone: 07814 883 443
Email: [email protected]
We start of the session with a brief over view of the pros and cons and the differences between lost wax casting and sand casting. We also discuss the type of gemstones which can withstand the heat.

You will be introduced to all the tools and different types of flasks needed for sand casting, before showning you the whole process of setting up your your flask with delft clay, how to press your master - whether it be a wax carving, or a charm, or even some organic piece which can be embedded into the clay; followed by how to insert your stones and hold them in place for the casting. You will also be shown where to situate the sprue and air vents for each piece.

Then the fun and exciting part happens when we melt the silver in a crucible and pour into your mould. Within a few minutes, you will be able to open your flask and see your casting.

Please note - casting with stones in place is tricky technique. The stones may move when the silver is pored in - resulting in a random but still fantastic design.​
Tools provided:
  • Delft Clay
  • Casting Flasks
  • Crucibles
  • All tools needed for the class
  • Leather aprons, safety gloves and safety goggles

Materials Provided:
  • 20 grams sterling silver grain for casting
  • A selection of heat resistant cubic zirconias to choose from.

You will be able to purchase more silver and gemstones from Tracy on the day.
What to to Bring:
  • A small charm/toy/shell, twig etc. to use for mould making. We do have lots of  charms and organic matter you can use too. Or you can carve you own design in the delft clay.
  • If you have previously done a wax carving class, you might want to bring along your own wax to use as your master.
  • Spectacles, if needed for close up work.
  • Notebook and pencil if you want to to take your own notes or draw sketches.
  • Scrap silver if you think you may need more that you are provided with.
T&C's:
This is a workshop environment, so your well being and safety is important to us. To ensure this is a safe - but fun environment for you to learn in; we ask that you please:
  • Wear comfortable old clothing.
  • Long hair to be tied back. 
  • No loose flowing scarves, long sleeves or jewellery to be worn. These can easily get caught up in machinery.
  • Closed flat shoes - no sandals allowed.

  • Refreshments:
  • Bring a packed lunch.
  • Unlimited Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.