3-Hour Sandcasting Jewellery Workshop (Intermediate) - 3rd October 26

A 3 hour workshop covering Sandcasting.

Mt Eden, Auckland | Saturday, 3rd October 2026, 10am - 1pm

Booking for two? This workshop accommodates a maximum of 2 participants. If you are attending with a partner or friend, please add 2 to your cart — one place per person.

Discover the raw, tactile art of molten metal in this hands-on, 3-hour sandcasting workshop. Designed as an intermediate session for makers who have already built foundational studio skills, this workshop dives straight into casting metal directly using delft sand molds—exploring the distinct technical differences between sandcasting and traditional wax carving.

Because this is an intensive 3-hour session focused strictly on sand molding and casting, we will be using provided shapes, forms, and master elements rather than carving individual wax pieces. This allows us to maximize our time around sand packing, stone placement, and pouring molten metal.

“Received the rings — they look so beautiful!! - Amy”

Made during a workshop that combined wax build-up and carving

Prerequisite Requirement

Please Note: This is not a beginner class. To ensure you get the most out of this session, participants must have previously attended a studio session with us (learning wax carving and finishing) or have equivalent bench/workshop experience.

What We'll Cover & What You'll Make

Our goal is to complete two cast pieces during the session using provided master forms to give you a thorough understanding of the process:

1. Sandcasting Theory & Form Selection

   • Review design principles: how sandcasting differs from wax carving and what shapes translate best into sand molds.

2. First Piece: Sandcasting a pendant

   • Work with a pre-made shape to master mold packing, venting, risers, adding three small gems held in place with beads and pouring molten metal cleanly.

3. Second Piece: Gemstone Sandcasting a ring

   • Advance your skills by setting a raw sapphire directly into the mold prior to pouring.

   • Learn specialised techniques like casting a raw sapphire into a simple band to create a natural, organic bezel, or using bead setting methods within the sand mold.

What's Included

• 3 hours of expert, studio instruction (max 2 participants per class).

• Access to a curated selection of pre-made master shapes and forms for mold building.

• All specialized sandcasting equipment, tools, and foundry setup.

• Metals for your practice pieces.

• Gemstones (raw sapphires) for stone-in-place casting.

• Coffee, tea, water, and studio treats.

Who This Workshop Is For

• Workshop Alumni & Experienced Makers — Requires completion of our Wax Carving & Finishing session (or equivalent studio experience).

• Anyone looking to build on their existing jewellery-making knowledge with fast-pour sandcasting techniques.

• Individuals or pairs wanting an intimate, focused studio session.

• Ages 16 years and up.

Additional costs (transparent pricing)

• Sterling silver or bronze beyond 5g is charged at $10 per gram + casting fee + GST
• Casting fee is typically $6–8 + GST
• Gold can be used and will be quoted at the day's market rate
• Fine sterling silver chain available for $45
• NZ Courier delivery (Urban $11.50 | Rural $17.50)
• International Courier - will need to be quoted - all tariffs and import duties are the responsibility of the attendee.

Typical weights (after casting):

• Ring: approx. 5–12g
• Pendant: approx. 4–8g

Your piece will be weighed at the end of the session so everything is clear and upfront.

What to bring

• Comfortable clothing
• Flat, closed-toe shoes
• Glasses if you wear them for close detail
• A camera or phone if you'd like to document your process

There is plenty of street parking nearby.

Session times may vary slightly depending on the flow of the class — the focus is on process, not rushing.

Cancellation & transfers

• In the unlikely event the class is cancelled or postponed, you'll be offered a full refund or transfer
• If you can't attend, please get in touch — refunds are not offered, but we're happy to help you transfer your place
• One week's written notice allows full credit transfer to another date
• If you miss this window, you're welcome to gift your place to a friend

To transfer or discuss options, email:
sally.h@herbertandwilks.co.nz

Interested in booking a custom date?

If you meet the prerequisites and are interested in learning sandcasting on a different day, please contact me directly to organize a date and time to set up a private session.

Why this workshop is different

• Learn the Sandcasting process, taught slowly and thoughtfully
• A finished piece made from your own hands, not a kit
• Calm, friendly, real studio environment in Mt Eden