Jewellery: Wax Carving for Stone Setting with Russell Lownsbrough

When & Where

6 June 2025 - 4 July 2025 ( 15 hours, 5 weeks )
Evening, Friday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Russell Lownsbrough
Course Code W24JWYA01G
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Develop your wax carving skills to incorporate settings for stones with the support of an experienced tutor. Learn to cut and carve your wax to fit the dimensions of a specific stone in a wax carved ring or pendant. Instruction on methods of incorporating cabochon and faceted stones, as well as how to approach unusual shapes like baroque pearls and irregular cut stones. Casting of your wax is not included in the course but you will be given advice on various casting companies and approximate costs. Intermediate/ advanced. Bring stone(s) of your choice or choose and buy from a selection brought by the tutor.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

cut and carve your wax to fit the dimensions of a specific stone
carve a ring or pendant with the stone setting
Understand the lost wax casting process and where to get this done
Finish your cast pieces.

Cost

Full fee

£165

Concession fee

£125

Click here for information on Fees, Funding and Concessions (including financial support)

Class format and activities

Wax-carving is like sculpture for jewellery. This is a practical class and you will learn to improve your wax carving skills to incorporate stone settings. We will learn how to transfer a design onto wax, which tools to use for wax-carving and how to make carving tools to suit your own individual needs. We will look at the different types of wax , how to carve a 3D design in wax, how to repair it if it breaks and how to make alterations to a carving. You will learn how to finish the carving to a smooth finish in preparation for casting, where to take your piece to be cast and how to clean up and finish the cast item. Each stage of the process will be demonstrated both to the group and to individuals as appropriate.

Entry requirements

The course is suitable for students with some experience of wax carving, who are keen to develop and extend their skills. Curiosity and readiness to experiment with tools and materials which may be unfamiliar and challenging to you are an advantage!

What you need to know before you enrol

Health & Safety information will be given at the start of the course and subsequent lessons where necessary. Please note, the casting of your wax will be done off site and there will be an additional cost for this process which the tutor will advise you on. This cost is dependent on the size of your wax carvings, whether you want to cast in silver or bronze and how many pieces you want to cast. An average cost is around £25.

What you need

All tools and wax provided. You will need to cover the cost of your casting should you wish to proceed with your design. Bring pen, pencil, paper, and creativity.

What you can do next

Morley offers Jewellery classes day, evening and weekends for students at all levels of experience. Additionally, specialised short courses are provided which focus on specific skills and techniques. If you have enjoyed this course you may want to develop your jewellery stone setting and wax carving skills. Your tutor Russell Lownsbrough teaches courses in these areas on Monday and Friday evenings