3D PRINTING & LOST-WAX CASTING FOR JEWELRY
Ancient Fire. Modern Technology.
A rare Central Coast creative getaway hosted by artist, jewelry designer and instructor Brad Golden.
For more than 6,000 years, artisans have transformed ideas into precious metal using the lost-wax casting process. Today, that same ancient technique is used by jewelers, sculptors, and designers around the world—and in this immersive three-day workshop, you’ll experience the entire process firsthand.
Using a combination of modern 3D printing technology and traditional metalsmithing techniques, you’ll follow the complete journey from digital design to finished sterling silver casting. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience with the tools, materials, and methods used by professional jewelry artists and small-scale manufacturers.
Working in a supportive small-group environment, you’ll prepare your design for casting, learn the principles of spruing and mold preparation, participate in a live metal pour, and finish your piece through filing, sanding, and polishing.
Most importantly, you’ll create something personally meaningful.
Whether it’s a piece of jewelry you’ve always wanted to wear, a gift for someone special, a symbolic keepsake, or a small work of art, you’ll leave with a finished sterling silver casting and a deeper appreciation for one of the most fascinating processes in metalworking.
No prior jewelry, casting, or 3D modeling experience is required.
What You’ll Make
Each student will cast one sterling silver piece using the lost-wax casting process.
Your project may be a ring, pendant, charm, keepsake, small sculpture, or other approved design suitable for casting.
You’ll also receive a second identical 3D printed master to take home, allowing you to cast the piece again in the future if desired.
What You’ll Learn
- How modern 3D printing integrates with traditional lost-wax casting
- Spruing techniques and metal flow fundamentals
- Investment mixing and mold preparation
- Burnout and casting temperature theory
- Participating in a live group metal pour
- Cutting, filing, sanding, and polishing cast metal
- Professional finishing techniques used by jewelry artists and small-batch manufacturers
Design Selection & Materials
Unlike traditional project-based workshops where everyone creates the same item, you’ll have the opportunity to create something uniquely your own.
Prior to class, you’ll select a design that has personal meaning to you. It might be a ring you’ve always wanted to wear, a pendant, a charm, a meaningful symbol, a keepsake, or a gift for someone special.
Students will browse recommended online collections of 3D designs and submit their selection for approval. Designs may be free or purchased directly from their creators. Once approved, your design will be professionally prepared and 3D printed in advance so we can focus our class time on the casting process itself.
To ensure successful results, submitted designs must be suitable for casting and fit within the material allowances included in the workshop fee.
If you select a ring design, you’ll be asked to provide your ring size before class.
All materials are included, including professional tools, casting supplies, investment materials, and sterling silver appropriate for your selected design. Tools remain in the studio for class use.
Schedule & Location
Friday, July 10 • 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Orientation, design discussion, 3D printing overview, spruing, and flask preparation.
Saturday, July 11 • 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Investment, burnout discussion, and live casting day.
Sunday, July 12 • 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Finishing, polishing, and completion of your sterling silver casting.
Location: Brad Golden Design Studio • Atascadero, California
Tuition
$495
All materials included.
Split Your Registration Into 4 Interest-Free Payments
Would you like to spread your registration fee over four interest-free payments?
Simply select Afterpay or Klarna during checkout and you’ll have the option to divide your registration into four easy payments.
Skill Level
Beginner-friendly.
No prior experience required—just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to learn.