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Custom designer jewelry by Robert and Debra Shinn

Soapstone Casting

Mold carved in soapstone. The triple moon pattern was carefully laid out on a flattened soapstone and laboriously carved to the proper depth. The lines are carnitated, triangular in cross section with the point upward and base wide. A sprue, or entryway, was cut down to it. Lubricated with fat, it was charred to better release the cast metal. Another flat stone provided the backing. Silver was melted in the crucible and poured into the top. After the cooled casting was removed, the sprue button was cut off with heavy shears. Shown are a casting with its recently removed sprue.

Disclaimer: All techniques described are performered by professionals in a professional workshop. These techniques work well for us; we do not warrant them for anyone else. We cannot be responsible for anyone's property, profit, or safety. If you wish to make beautiful objects, pictures and text are no substitute for a good class.