Claw & Organic Claw Settings Using the Build-Up Method (Private one-on-one lesson)

No carving – just freeform wax building with a soldering iron

Duration: 2.5 hours

Level: Beginner-friendly – No prior experience needed

Focus: Creating unique ring or pendant designs using the build-up wax technique with a soldering iron, incorporating both traditional claw and organic claw settings (stone-in-place)

WHAT’S PROVIDED

• Wax soldering irons (temperature-controlled)

• Assorted casting wax sticks and sheets

• Ring mandrels, acrylic sheets, masking tape

• Assorted stones suitable for stone-in-place casting (e.g., lab-created, nano, CZ)

• Wax sculpting tools, scalpel, tweezers

• Demo pieces for inspiration

WORKSHOP STRUCTURE

00:00 – 00:10 | Welcome + Introduction

• Brief intro to lost-wax casting and the build-up method

• Safety with wax soldering irons

• Overview of suitable gemstones for stone-in-place

• Show examples of finished claw and organic claw wax builds

00:10 – 00:30 | Demo: Basic Claw Setting Using Wax Build-Up

• Step-by-step demo of building a simple 4-prong claw setting using wax and a soldering iron

• Discuss structure, symmetry, stone height, and attachment to ring/pendant base

• Tips for stability and successful casting

Hands-On:
Participants begin their own piece using a ring mandrel or flat acrylic sheet base. Choose a stone and begin building up a basic claw setting around it.

00:30 – 01:15 | Demo: Organic Claw Setting + Freeform Techniques

• Demonstrate using wax flow to create whimsical, freeform or asymmetrical claw-like shapes

• Emphasize creative expression: curved prongs, multiple stones, layering texture

• Tips on blending structure with artistic flair

Hands-On:
Participants create their own organic piece — this could be a nature-inspired ring, pendant, or abstract setting using melted wax and wax additions.

01:15 – 01:40 | Individual Build + Refinement

• Participants refine either one or both of their settings

• Add extra support, smooth joins, refine claws, check stone stability

• One-on-one support to troubleshoot and enhance design

01:40 – 02:00 | Finishing + Next Steps

• Final touch-ups: check thickness, stability, proportion

Note: This session focuses on wax design only. Casting, polishing, and delivery of your finished pieces will be handled by me after the workshop.

If you want to learn jewellery-making journey? Let’s create something beautiful together how to polish and finish your pieces, please book the polishing course.