1-to-1 Wax Carving & Set In Place Gemstone Setting Experience

A private, one-to-one jewellery-making session held in my Cornwall studio, dedicated to the traditional craft of lost wax carving and the introduction of cast-in-place gemstone setting.

Guided personally by jewellery designer Tamara Gervasio, this experience is tailored to your pace, your ideas, and your level — whether you are a complete beginner or developing your existing skills.

This is a focused, hands-on workshop where you work directly in wax using professional tools and traditional carving techniques used in fine jewellery making, while exploring how gemstones can be incorporated into the casting process.

This is a creative fabrication session, not a design course.

What You Will Do

You will explore the fundamentals of lost wax carving by working directly in wax to develop a ring, pendant, earring, or small sculptural form.

You will also learn how selected gemstones can be set directly into the casting process, creating a finished piece that integrates stone and metal from the start.

Skills You Will Learn

Wax Carving Techniques

• fundamental shaping and carving in wax
• developing form, structure, and proportion
• refining surface detail and texture
• working with precision hand tools

Cast-in-Place Gemstone Setting

• understanding suitable gemstones for casting
• positioning stones within wax models
• designing forms that support stone placement
• principles of securing stones during the casting process

Design Translation

• understanding how wax becomes metal through casting
• preparing a wax model for production
• developing clean, castable and structurally sound forms

Studio Practice

• tool handling and control
• working safely and confidently in a studio environment
• building accuracy and confidence in hand-skills

3-Hour Private Session

A focused creative workshop introducing the core principles of lost wax carving combined with an introduction to cast-in-place gemstone setting.

Any additional time beyond the 3 hours will be charged on the day if extended by mutual agreement.

Studio Requirements

This session involves the use of fine carving tools in a professional jewellery studio.

For your comfort and safety, please:

• wear comfortable clothing suitable for studio work
• tie back long hair
• avoid loose sleeves or accessories that may interfere with tools
• wear closed-toe footwear

Full guidance will be provided throughout the session.

What’s Included

• All wax, tools, and materials
• One-to-one tuition throughout
• Introduction to cast-in-place gemstone setting techniques
• Professional studio access and instruction
• Your completed wax model to take forward for casting
• Tea, coffee, and light refreshments during the session

Casting & Finishing (Optional)

Your wax piece can be cast into sterling silver, gold, or brass after the session.

Casting and metal costs are charged separately depending on material choice.

Optional finishing (de-spruing, polishing, final detailing) can also be completed in the studio if required.

Finished pieces are typically returned within approximately 3 weeks.

This Workshop is Perfect For

• complete beginners with no prior jewellery-making experience
• creatives interested in exploring traditional wax carving techniques
• makers who enjoy hands-on, process-led learning
• anyone wanting a focused, one-to-one creative studio experience
• those interested in exploring gemstone setting in wax
• thoughtful gift experiences for craft and design enthusiasts

Studio Approach

“This session is designed to introduce the principles of lost wax carving and cast-in-place setting through direct making, allowing you to explore form, structure, and stone placement while understanding how your work translates into finished metal through the casting process.”
— Tamara Gervasio

Booking

Availability is limited and sessions are scheduled individually.

To reserve your place or request a suitable time, please get in touch:

tgjewellery@icloud.com