Welcome! My name is Kirra-lea and I am a trade-qualified jeweller who has been manufacturing for over 10 years. My passion lies in contemporary jewellery, particularly using and manipulating nature and raw materials to create bespoke jewellery. I have been using the sand casting technique for over 6 years, and for the past 4 I have been using the casting-in-place method. This process involves placing stones inside a mould, then pouring molten metal into the mould, allowing it to form around and securely encapsulate the stone, setting it in place.
During this one-day workshop, I will guide you through the process of designing and sand-casting your very own sterling silver jewellery with cast-in-place sapphires. This workshop is specifically designed for beginners with no previous experience, as well as more advanced jewellers who are interested in growing their skill set. It is my aim that you will finish the workshop satisfied with your unique, home-made jewellery pieces, and feel inspired by the possibilities sand casting can bring to your jewellery-making.
The materials covered in the workshop include 30g of sterling silver and a variety of rough Australian sapphires. Sand casting can be used to replicate almost any hard object (e.g. shells, small toys, buttons etc.) and turn into precious jewellery. There will be an extensive array of solid objects to mould and cast, but you are welcome to bring your own to explore and use in the casting process. You can also bring your own metal and sapphires, should you wish to personalise a project with your own materials. Please note that gemstones used in the cast-in-place process should be 7.5 or higher on the Mohs hardness scale. The materials provided will allow you to make up to 3 take-home pieces of jewellery. If you need more than 30g of silver, there will be an option to purchase more on the day (cash, bank transfer and card options will be accepted).
The classes are limited to 6 students to ensure a flexible and tailored experience. All you need to bring is yourself! Snacks, tea and coffee will be provided. Please arrive dressed appropriately: closed in shoes, long pants and hair tied back. Please note that we are working with clay, so it can get a little messy!
Please get in contact via instagram @kirraleajewellery or email kirraleajewellery@gmail.com if you have any questions. I look forward to creating with you!
Duration: 7 hours over one class 10.00am – 5.00pm
Location: Mayben Artisan Jeweller,
Cancellation Policy
UnEarthed workshops have limited seating, and many of our one day workshops sell out. For this reason, if you cannot attend your scheduled class you will be given either a credit towards a future UnEarthed sand casting class or partial refund.
90% of enrolment cost refunded or credit towards future class 7 days or more before class date,
50% of enrolment cost refunded 2 – 7 days before class date,
20% within 24 hours before class date.
In the event of minimum number of enrolment not being met, a workshop may be cancelled. Five days notice of cancelation will be given to all enrolled students. In the case of cancelation by the venue or tutor full refund or a credit toward a future class will be given.