Sand Casting
Follow in the footsteps of ancient metalsmiths, from Bronze Age China and the Vikings, and learn how to add textures, cast multiple items in one mould and cast beautiful stones in the silver!
Sand Casting is one of the oldest metalsmithing techniques, and can be traced back to the Bronze Age in China. It is still used all around the world for industrial purposes - and of course for beautiful jewellery!
Sand Casting is best taught as a full day's tuition so that you get the most out of it. It is suitable for beginners upwards as I will take you from the basics, teaching you how to set up a mould using both the top-pour and side-pour methods and also how to prepare a crucible and safe working area for melting and casting the metal.
The topics we can cover include:
- creating side-pour and top-pour moulds
- preparing a crucible and casting area
- adding textures and patterns to the mould
- casting rough sapphires and rubies and faceted cubic zirconia in place
- casting just the front of a thick item to reduce the weight
- casting multiple items on one mould
- casting with silver and copper together using the twice-cast method
- finishing cast pieces
- safety and equipment
You will have time to make multiple items. A wide (and growing!) collection of buttons, charms, shells, twigs and other objects are available for you to use and you are welcome to bring your own items as well.
Want to have a go at sand casting but looking for a fun day out rather than learning lots of new techniques? We can spend the day casting just a couple of items and finish them into beautiful new pendants - it's your tuition so the day can be adapted for you!
Is this topic a half day or full day's tuition?
A full day is needed for sand casting. The day can be used to complete finish two items into beautiful pendants or to learn as many techniques as possible with the cast pieces finished at home as described above.
Is any previous experience needed?
Experience of soldering and sawing is preferable but I will take you through everything that you need.
What are the material costs?
The workshop fee does not include metals as everyone uses different amounts. However, £25 worth of casting silver will allow you to make several pieces. A small cast ammonite or shell, for example, usually uses approximately £6-7 of casting silver (as at July 2025).
Rough and faceted stones suitable for casting in place are also available to purchase for use in your designs. If you wish to bring your own, only heat-resistant cubic zirconia and sapphires, rubies and diamonds are suitable.
You are welcome to bring your own scrap but it must be clean and free from any contaminants. Fresh casting grain and solder-free off cuts of sheet and wire are perfect. Small pieces of gold are perfect for adding that little extra touch to your projects too!
See full details of Private Tuition and currently available dates here