14 k GOLD SUNDIAL copyright JDC

benefitting St Croix Boating Community after "TS GRACE" 1997

14 K Gold 6 pt Diamond SUNDIAL copyright JDC

Benefititing

" DANIEL M FOUNDATION & CAMP HOLIDAY"

2004 & 2005

18 K Gold5 pt Diamond Sundial copyright JDC

Sarasoata Yacht Club benefit for "KATRINA VICTIMS" 2006

2 strands fabulous Black Pearls w/ Diamond clasp

Gala Sunshine Ball at The Yacht & Country Club Benefitting

"THE SUNSHINE KIDS FOUNDATION"  2007

First, materials are chosen, in this case a custom cut set of estate topaz with a selection of diamonds.

Drawings are made and a design chosen.

 Drawings A, B ,C three different looks and styles.

Decision is made,  the envelope please,   B is the winner.

Hours of hand carving have taken place, using a blue carving wax

A glimpse of where we are going with the design.

The wax carving is prepared for casting, mounted on a rubber sprue base. This will be "The Master" once cast the master is molded in order to produce two identical waxes.

The waxes are placed in a flask, metal cylinder, and filled with casting investment.

The rubber sprue base is removed after the investment hardens leaving our wax carvings inside.

The flask is slowly heated , burning off the wax thus leaving a perfect void of our carving. The void becomes the mold for

the gold.

Gold being heated up to 200 degrees in the crucible which then goes to the centrifugal caster.

After casting the flask will be quenched and the master button will be removed.

The master on its button now undergoes a process of careful cleaning, sanding and many steps of polishing, making  it ready to be molded.

A rubber mold is created around the master, the  master is excised and what remains is a rubber mold where wax is injected. thereby creating two perfectly matched waxes for casting.

Two waxes of the master have undergone the casting process this time in 14 K white gold with platinum posts.

Earrings cut from casting button

Two identical blanks ready for the long process of sanding and polishing and trimming.

The center stone bezel has been trimmed opening the sides for more light..  The earrings are carefully balanced so as to place the posts in such a manner that the earrings will remain upright on the ear.

Close up of pave' work which is done with engravers

Seats are drilled for the diamonds to set into.

Flat engraver on right "Bright Cutting"  the gold around each stone.

Beads are raised on each stone holding them firm in place.

Delicated intricate beading on each stone is necessary for a total bright appearance.

It is now time to set the 10 Ct Topaz .

 An idea , a sketch ,  art in metal, an artistic statement.

20 Ct of Natural Topaz,  

2.54 C t Diamonds. 

Set in 14K White Gold w/ Platinum post.