I know blogging might feel outdated in 2025, but writing has always been a medium I love. So I’m giving it a go - to bring thoughtful insight and added value to the LMJ community. Love - Laura
There’s something deeply meditative about sculpting in wax. It’s the quiet beginning of a piece that, once cast, becomes a talisman - a story you wear. Wax is the meeting point between your idea and your hands. It’s a precise, forgiving medium that rewards patience and intention.
If you’ve ever been curious about the process behind our sculptural designs or want to try it yourself, understanding the process of wax carving is the perfect place to begin. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned artisan, this guide will walk you through the essentials - the honest instruments of craft.
What is Wax Carving?
Wax Carving is a technique which consists of shaping the jeweler’s wax into a model that becomes the blueprint for casting. Through different tools you can file, slice, scrape, melt, and texture. The finished wax is then invested in plaster, the wax is “lost,” and metal is cast at its place - the same practical magic used for millennia.
Jewelry Wax Carving Tools: The Essentials
Tools have a way of multiplying in the studio - I’m guilty of a few boxes on the top shelves filled with tools I’ve only used once or twice... It’s easy to feel the urge to own the best wax carving tools or that latest model. But trust me, you don’t need it. Most of what you need can be found at a simple hardware store - here my suggestions to begin with:
Files & Needle Files
A small set goes far: get yourself a flat, half-round, and triangle, each in both large and needle sizes. Keep a dedicated set for wax to avoid embedding metal filings.
Spatula Carvers & Scalpels
Spatulas push, hollow, and plane; scalpel blades (No. 10, 11, 15) clean seams and define profiles. Rounded tips suit organic curves; sharper edges suit geometric work.
Saws & Wax Saw Blades
Use wax-specific blades for clean cuts without chipping. They are different from the ones used to cut metal sheet and look like a spiral. Use light pressure and long strokes - let the blade do the work!
Rotary Tools & Burrs
A flex shaft or Dremel with ball, cylinder, and bud burrs speeds material removal and drilling, and adds texture. Keep speeds moderate to avoid melting.
Heat Tools (Pens, Alcohol Lamps)
A micro-flame or thermostatic wax pen smooths planes, blends joins, and creates subtle “melted” textures.
Choosing Your Wax (Green vs. Blue vs. Others)
There are three main colors of wax and they each have a different property. Here is an overview:
- Green wax: harder and crisper; holds fine detail; less forgiving.
- Blue wax: softer and more flexible; excellent for beginners and flowing forms.
- Purple wax: mid-range option - not too easy to find though.
You can find wax in several forms: tubes - perfect starting point for rings - as well as sheets, blocks (ideal for pendants or objects), and wires.
LMJ tip: Start in blue for gesture and volume; finish in green when you need crisp edges.
How to Use Wax Carving Tools: From Block to Ready-to-Cast
- Sketch & select wax: use a block of wax for pendants or a tube for rings.
- Saw to rough outline: leave a small margin, as you'll reach the outline with the file.
- File primary planes: use a big file and establish overall silhouette before detail.
- Carve secondary forms: use with spatulas; check symmetry often.
- Refine with needle files: finalize the shape and the the details.
- Texture or smooth: with a heat pen; test comfort on skin.
- Final check: make sure there are no undercuts, thin spots, or stress points.
- Casting: sand-cast the piece yourself or send it to a casting company.
Safety, Ergonomics & Maintenance
- Ventilation: warm wax can fume - use extraction or work near a window.
- Posture: neutral wrists, anchored elbows; take micro-breaks to avoid strain.
- Eye protection: essential with rotary tools and heat.
- Tool care: brass-brush files, sort burrs, replace dull blades early.
- Wax dust: collect and bin; it clogs floors and file teeth if ignored.
Mistakes to Love (and When to Start Over)
Uneven planes can create textured, “lived-in” surfaces - keep them if they serve the idea. If a ring shank feels underbuilt, start again; in the end, your judgment refines with each restart. A slight drift in symmetry can feel human and intentional, but you don't want to keep it when it affects comfort or the integrity of the piece.
Comparison Table: Tools & Use-Cases
| Tool | Primary Use | When It Shines | Beginner-Friendly? | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat / Half-round / Triangle files | Shape planes & edges | Establish silhouette; refine curves | Yes | Brass brush; keep wax-only set |
| Needle files | Tight details | Inside curves; notches; bevels | Yes | Clean often |
| Spatula carvers | Push / hollow / plane | Organic surfaces; soft transitions | Yes | Wipe warm to remove residue |
| Scalpel blades | Crisp cuts & cleanup | Geometric edges; prongs | Yes | Replace early; use blade saver |
| Wax saw blades | Rough outline | Blocking big shapes; ring sizing | Yes | Separate frame; low tension |
| Rotary + burrs | Fast removal; drilling | Texture; apertures; undercuts | Medium | Moderate RPM; sort burrs |
| Heat pen / alcohol lamp | Blend & finish | Surface erosion; weld joins | Medium | Ventilation; tip cleaning |
FAQs
Is wax carving difficult?
It’s tactile and forgiving, more about experimentation than perfection. Your first piece should be honest, not flawless.
Green vs. blue carving wax - what’s the difference?
Green is harder and holds crisp detail; blue is softer and shapes quickly, ideal for learning and flowing forms.
What do I need to start?
A few hand tools (files, saw, carvers), good wax, and a steady table. You can add rotary and heat tools later.
Learn in the LMJ Atelier in Zurich
We’re passionate about sharing the craft. If this article has sparked your curiosity but you’re not quite ready to dive in alone, our Wax Carving Workshop guides you through every step to create your first wax piece, ready for casting. Prefer working directly in metal? Join our Jewelry Making Workshop, or explore the possibilities of silver in our Silver Clay Jewelry.
Ready to cast your first wax piece in gold? Get in touch to start a custom project.
