Sand Casting

Sand casting is an ancient manufacturing process where liquid metal is poured into a mold to create a solid object. It has a wonderfully hands-on, old-world feel to it–very much rooted in craft and patience.

My process begins with carving or shaping a form–usually a ring or a pendant. This form is then pressed into a flask filled with fine casting sand, which is packed down firmly by hand so it captures every curve and detail. Once the form is carefully lifted away, you’re left with a perfect negative impression. Small channels are then carved into the sand to guide the molten metal and give trapped air a way out, setting the stage for the pour.

Often, I pour the fine gold or sterling silver directly over diamonds or sapphires to make them set in place. This process honors the raw beauty of imperfection while keeping each piece deeply personal.

After the pour, time does the rest—the casting cools, hardens, and settles into its final form. When the mold is separated and the sand is broken away, the piece emerges rough and raw, but full of potential! A bit of cutting, sanding, cleaning–and sometimes sizing–brings it to life. The texture and character make sand casting feel less like a process and more like a collaboration between maker, material, and time.

What I love most about this process is that no two castings are ever identical; the sand itself leaves behind unique markings that can never be repeated. This technique not only allows me to transform fleeting inspirations into heirlooms but also celebrates the earthy, tactile side of jewelry-making that feels authentic, soulful, and truly one of a kind. 

 

 

Enjoy a brief video of the sand casting process: