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LOST WAX CASTING Current Lost Wax Casting Classes Membership Offer Transform Unworn Jewels into Innovative Adornment Fri, Mar 21 Jill Herlands: Virtually & In Studio More info Details Membership Offer Working with Mitsuro Hikime Fri, Jan 24 Instructor Jennifer Stenhouse More info Details Membership Offer Wednesday Evening Lost Wax Casting Wed, Jan 08 Instructor Dallas Vinson at MAGG Studio More info Details Lost wax casting, sometimes called cire perdue, is an ancient method of metal casting where a duplicate metal sculpture is cast from an original wax sculpture. Intricate works can be achieved by this method, which is still widely used for art and jewelry today. Rings, pendants, bracelets, and even gold teeth are all commonly made via the lost wax process. The History and Evolution of Wax Casting Lost wax casting dates back thousands of years , with its earliest known use in ancient jewelry making. Over the centuries, the technique has been refined and adapted, but the basic principles remain the same. It’s been used to create some of the world’s most famous sculptures, including those from the Renaissance era. The Lost-Wax Casting Process Lost wax casting involves several key stages, each requiring precision and care. Here’s a more detailed, step-by-step look as it would apply to the creation of a bronze sculpture (though this could be applied to other alloys & metals) Creating the Model The journey begins when you sculpt a model of the desired object in wax. This model is the exact replica of what you wish to cast in metal. The wax used can vary in type, ranging from beeswax to more specialized modeling waxes. The choice depends on the required detail and durability of the model that sculptors need to create. Investing the Wax Model Once the wax model is ready, it’s encased in mold material. Traditionally, this material is a kind of plaster and silica mixture called investment that can withstand high temperatures. The investing process involves encasing the wax model in investment captured in a stainless-steel tube called a flask, ensuring every detail of the wax is captured. Wax Removal After the investment is set and hardened, the flask is heated in a kiln. The heat causes the wax to melt and run out through the channels called sprues leaving behind a hollow cavity in the shape of the original wax model. This step, known as burnout, is crucial and must be done carefully to prevent the mold from cracking or the details from being lost. Pouring the Metal (Bronze Casting) After burnout, molten metal (in this case, molten bronze) is forced into the cavity left behind by the wax. There are two methods commonly used to accomplish this. Centrifugal casting, which uses a spinning mechanism to sling the molten metal into the cavity. Vacuum casting, which uses a powerful pump to suck the molten metal into the cavity. Cooling and Quenching After the metal has been poured, the mold is briefly left to cool. This cooling process is vital as it allows the metal to solidify properly. Once cooled, the flask is submerged in cold water to break up the investment and reveal the metal casting. Finishing Touches The final step in wax casting involves cleaning and polishing the cast metal. Any imperfections, such as seams or leftover bits from the sprues, are removed. Further details can be added by the artist or craftsman, and surfaces are polished or treated to prevent oxidation as required for the final piece. Rubber Mold Making When duplicates of an item are needed, rubber molds are used to produce duplicates of the same wax. These molds can either be vulcanized from layers of mold rubber with a metal master sandwiched between them. Alternative RTV (room temperature molds) can be made directly from wax or 3D-printed originals. As each wax makes one metal piece, being able to make waxes in quantity is the key to production casting. Investment Casting Also known as “Precision Casting”, the investment casting process specifically uses a ceramic shell for higher precision and detail (whereas lost-wax casting can use multiple materials), making it ideal for intricate, identical industrial parts. Investment casting is more time-consuming and costly, focusing on detail and repeatability, while lost-wax casting is more versatile. Foundry Applications in Art and Industry In art, wax casting is revered for its ability to produce sculptures with incredible detail and fidelity to the original design. Artists can create intricate and delicate works that would be impossible with other methods. In industry, it's used for making jewelry, dental fixtures, and components for machinery and electronics, demonstrating its versatility. The Future of Lost-Wax Casting Today, technology is shaping the future of lost-wax casting. 3D printing, for instance, is used to create more accurate models, expanding the possibilities for what can be created. Despite these advancements, the basic principle of lost-wax casting remains unchanged, proving its enduring value. Lost wax casting is more than just a method for creating objects; it’s a bridge between the past and the future, showcasing human innovation and artistic spirit. Stunning jewelry can be created through this process. Lost wax casting remains a vital and fascinating process. If you'd like to learn more about Wax Casting, or about dozens of other metalsmithing techniques, check out our classes here at the Metal Arts Guild of GA!

MAGG Calendar Explore our schedule of classes, workshops, and events by Month, Week, List or Agenda, or search by keywords. To view the schedule for Open Studio hours, head to the Open Studio page. Upcoming Events Sip 'n Saw with Todd Conover: Sculpting the Raven's Skull Tue, Feb 17 Virtual via Zoom More info RSVP Sip 'n Saw with Fyli Sissoko: Rhino 3D Modeling Sat, Feb 21 Metal Arts Guild of Georgia Studio B More info RSVP Sip 'n Saw with Ryan Gardner: Stone Setting Gamut Wed, Mar 11 Virtual via Zoom More info RSVP MAGG x Queer Metalsmiths Community Open House, March 14 , 2026 Sat, Mar 14 Metal Arts Guild of Georgia - Studio A More info RSVP

Learn to Make Jewelry Have you ever wanted to learn to make jewelry? This is where you start. We will teach you all the tips and tricks you need to succeed, from start to finish. Learn how to safely use the tools of the trade, and make something beautiful and amazing. Beginning Jewelry Classes No events at the moment How do you get started? Metalsmithing is the ancient art of moving metal. Whether it's making jewelry, or making bowls or sculpture, you must know how to move the metal. But there's a huge difference between bashing a large piece of steel with a hammer and making a delicate silver or gold pendant. So that's where we start. When you choose a class that fits your schedule, you will receive a list of tools and materials required for that class. Then all you have to do is show up! Learn all the Skills Metal Cutting How to use a Jeweler's Saw How to use a Press Drill Holes Using Burs How to get a good finish How to set a stone How to file correctly How to use a flex shaft You will be making jewelry from the minute you step in the classroom. By Completing projects that are designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge you need, you will be successful from day one. Each of our Beginner Jewelry Classes is packed with techniques that will enable you to create the jewelry of your dreams. Learn ancient arts that have been passed down through the generations, along with modern techniques to create and fabricate anything and everything you can imagine! The creativity of our beginning students is unparalleled!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy Metal Arts Guild of Georgia is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our human capital is the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our volunteers and staff invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and company’s achievement as well. We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique. Metal Arts Guild of Georgia's diversity initiatives are applicable—but not limited—to our practices and policies on recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; social and recreational programs; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a work environment built on the premise of gender and diversity equity that encourages and enforces: Respectful communication and cooperation between all volunteers and staff. Teamwork and employee participation, permitting the representation of all groups and staff perspectives. Work/life balance through flexible work schedules to accommodate employees’ varying needs. All volunteers and staff of Metal Arts Guild of Georgia have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect at all times. All employees are expected to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion during work, at work functions on or off the work site, and at all other company-sponsored and participative events. Any volunteers and staff found to have exhibited any inappropriate conduct or behavior against others may be subject to disciplinary action. Volunteers and staff who believe they have been subjected to any kind of discrimination that conflicts with the guild's diversity policy and initiatives should seek assistance from the president of the guild.

2023 Annual Jewelry Show Metal Arts Guild of Georgia celebrates our loc al and regional artists at the Annual Je welry Show & Sale Saturday, O ctober 21st 10am - 5pm FREE ADMISSI ON FREE PARKING Briarcliff Woods Beach Club 1830 Morris Landers Drive NE Atlanta, GA 30345 VIP Preview Sale (By Invitation Only) Friday, October 20th Metal Arts Guild of Georgia presents its Annual Jewelry Show & Sale at a spacious and inviting community location in one of Atlanta’s well-known in-town neighborhoods. The Guild will be showing the artistry, imagination, and skills of local and regional artists. In addition, the Guild will highlight its outreach to young and beginning metalsmiths nurturing the craft to a new generation with the inclusion of student metalsmiths with less than two years of experience. You'll find a wide range of unique, artisan jewelry, designed and handcrafted by 23 of the Atlanta area's best professional and student artists. Come pick out the perfect gift for a loved one, or for yourself! To add to the excitement of the day, show sponsors PepeTools and JoolTool will be demonstrating their products throughout the day. Whether you are a metalsmith or just maker-curious, check out the demo tables to see all the latest and greatest in metalsmithing tools. We look forward to seeing you there! Thank you to our Jewelry Show Sponsors and Silent Auction Donors! Janet Dickinson Jewelry Artist Joyce Ryan Contributing Artists Who Are Exhibiting in the Show Donna D'Aquino Helen Blythe-Hart Regina Imbsweiler Jane Leavey Travis Wright May Engelhardt Leslie Litt Nina King Ricky Frank Judy Parady Erika Simon Aalia Mujtaba Susan Wachler Lisa Winn Ann Finley Sponsorship Opportunities Available Learn More Volunteer Opportunities This year's show celebrates our 25th anniversary! We are planning an exciting two day event to showcase the talents of our members and our fantastic guild, and we need your help to cover all the bases. Please consider volunteering to make this show the best it can be. Sign Up Meet Our Jurors (Click image to view juror's website.) Andrew Berry Jeanette Caines Kent Raible Alan Revere We are honored to announce the jurors of our 2023 Metal Arts Guild of Georgia Annual Jewelry Show, to be held October 20-21, 2023, at the Briarcliff Woods Beach Club in Atlanta. Andrew Berry, Hengoed, United Kingdom; Jeanette K. Caines, New York; Kent Raible, Washington; and Alan Revere, California This year's jurors represent the pinnacle of knowledge and expertise in the field of fine art jewelry that spans the globe. This distinguished group is renowned for their own work and are top educators collectively to hundreds of thousands in the field of metalsmithing around the world. These four artists have influenced the art of jewelry making and metalsmithing, forever cementing their place in its history. Thank you, jurors, for your enormous contribution to our craft and for generously sharing your time and talents to select the participants in this year's show. ARTISTS Exhibiting at this year's show are 23 artists with a wide range of experience and styles. Click an image below for a closer look at the beautiful work from our artists. Travis Wright Donna D'Aquino Ricky Frank Larissa McPherson Aalia Mujtaba Ekaterina Domashchenko Regina Imbsweiler May Engelhardt Leslie Litt Elizabeth Duke Lisa Winn Susan Wachler Kathryn Brown Katherine Larrabee Judy Parady Emily Rees Erika Simon Helen Blythe-Hart Ann Finley Scarlett Anderson Dana Burmeister Jane Leavey Nina King

FORGING Current Forging Classes No events at the moment Lost wax casting, sometimes called cire perdue, is an ancient method of metal casting where a duplicate metal sculpture is cast from an original wax sculpture. Intricate works can be achieved by this method, which is still widely used for art and jewelry today. Rings, pendants, bracelets, and even gold teeth are all commonly made via the lost wax process. The History and Evolution of Wax Casting Lost wax casting dates back thousands of years , with its earliest known use in ancient jewelry making. Over the centuries, the technique has been refined and adapted, but the basic principles remain the same. It’s been used to create some of the world’s most famous sculptures, including those from the Renaissance era. The Lost-Wax Casting Process Lost wax casting involves several key stages, each requiring precision and care. Here’s a more detailed, step-by-step look as it would apply to the creation of a bronze sculpture (though this could be applied to other alloys & metals) Creating the Model The journey begins when you sculpt a model of the desired object in wax. This model is the exact replica of what you wish to cast in metal. The wax used can vary in type, ranging from beeswax to more specialized modeling waxes. The choice depends on the required detail and durability of the model that sculptors need to create. Investing the Wax Model Once the wax model is ready, it’s encased in mold material. Traditionally, this material is a kind of plaster and silica mixture called investment that can withstand high temperatures. The investing process involves encasing the wax model in investment captured in a stainless-steel tube called a flask, ensuring every detail of the wax is captured. Wax Removal After the investment is set and hardened, the flask is heated in a kiln. The heat causes the wax to melt and run out through the channels called sprues leaving behind a hollow cavity in the shape of the original wax model. This step, known as burnout, is crucial and must be done carefully to prevent the mold from cracking or the details from being lost. Pouring the Metal (Bronze Casting) After burnout, molten metal (in this case, molten bronze) is forced into the cavity left behind by the wax. There are two methods commonly used to accomplish this. Centrifugal casting, which uses a spinning mechanism to sling the molten metal into the cavity. Vacuum casting, which uses a powerful pump to suck the molten metal into the cavity. Cooling and Quenching After the metal has been poured, the mold is briefly left to cool. This cooling process is vital as it allows the metal to solidify properly. Once cooled, the flask is submerged in cold water to break up the investment and reveal the metal casting. Finishing Touches The final step in wax casting involves cleaning and polishing the cast metal. Any imperfections, such as seams or leftover bits from the sprues, are removed. Further details can be added by the artist or craftsman, and surfaces are polished or treated to prevent oxidation as required for the final piece. Rubber Mold Making When duplicates of an item are needed, rubber molds are used to produce duplicates of the same wax. These molds can either be vulcanized from layers of mold rubber with a metal master sandwiched between them. Alternative RTV (room temperature molds) can be made directly from wax or 3D-printed originals. As each wax makes one metal piece, being able to make waxes in quantity is the key to production casting. Investment Casting Also known as “Precision Casting”, the investment casting process specifically uses a ceramic shell for higher precision and detail (whereas lost-wax casting can use multiple materials), making it ideal for intricate, identical industrial parts. Investment casting is more time-consuming and costly, focusing on detail and repeatability, while lost-wax casting is more versatile. Foundry Applications in Art and Industry In art, wax casting is revered for its ability to produce sculptures with incredible detail and fidelity to the original design. Artists can create intricate and delicate works that would be impossible with other methods. In industry, it's used for making jewelry, dental fixtures, and components for machinery and electronics, demonstrating its versatility. The Future of Lost-Wax Casting Today, technology is shaping the future of lost-wax casting. 3D printing, for instance, is used to create more accurate models, expanding the possibilities for what can be created. Despite these advancements, the basic principle of lost-wax casting remains unchanged, proving its enduring value. Lost wax casting is more than just a method for creating objects; it’s a bridge between the past and the future, showcasing human innovation and artistic spirit. Stunning jewelry can be created through this process. Lost wax casting remains a vital and fascinating process. If you'd like to learn more about Wax Casting, or about dozens of other metalsmithing techniques, check out our classes here at the Metal Arts Guild of GA!

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< Back MAGG x Queer Metalsmiths Community Open House, Jan 24, 2026 January 24, 2026 Join Queer Metalsmiths Atlanta for an evening of creativity and community at MAGG! This event is open to all. Previous Add to Cart Next Saturday, January 24, 2026, 4pm - 8pm Join Queer Metalsmiths Atlanta for an evening of creativity and community at MAGG! Come ready to show off your favorite work and get to know local metalsmiths and makers through our Show and Tell speed friending event. While light bites and drinks will be provided, we encourage guests to bring a potluck dish to share with the community. Take a tour of the new facilities, and make sure to stick around for a special sand casting project with instructor Jay Reddish. This event is open to all. We ask that all attendees honor this intention: to uplift trans and queer people, and to build a welcoming, inclusive community for everyone. This event is free to attend, but please make sure to RSVP! Unable to make this event, but still want to be included in future communications about Queer Metalsmiths Atlanta and MAGG events? Go ahead and fill out the RSVP form - there is a question on the form where you can specify that you wish to be included in future communications.

< Back MAGG x Queer Metalsmiths Community Open House October 18, 2025 Join Queer Metalsmiths Atlanta for an evening of creativity and community at MAGG! This event is open to all. Previous Add to Cart Next October 18th, 2025, 4pm-8pm Join Queer Metalsmiths Atlanta for an evening of creativity and community at MAGG! Come ready to show off your favorite work and get to know local metalsmiths and makers through our Show and Tell speed friending event. While light bites and drinks will be provided, we encourage guests to bring a potluck dish to share with the community. Take a tour of the new facilities, and make sure to stick around for a special sand casting project with instructor Jay Reddish. This event is open to all. We ask that all attendees honor this intention: to uplift trans and queer people, and to build a welcoming, inclusive community for everyone. This event is free to attend, but please make sure to RSVP! Unable to make this event, but still want to be included in future communications about Queer Metalsmiths Atlanta and MAGG events? Go ahead and fill out the RSVP form - there is a question on the form where you can specify that you wish to be included in future communications.

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