From wax to silver....how a piece of Katrina Alexander Jewellery is created. It takes time to create handcrafted jewellery, it's a slow and methodical process using ancient craftmanship techniques.
Each design is meticulously carved from wax by hand, and sculpted into shape before being sanded with sandpaper to ensure that all the surfaces are perfectly smooth, ready for casting. The wax is then cast using 100% recycled silver using the ancient art of lost wax casting. This technique was first used in around 4000 BC.
The original wax models are attached to a wax cone which is placed in a cylinder filled with investment plaster. This is then placed into a vacuum whereby molten metal is poured into one side, using suction on the other side. As the metal is drawn through the wax melts whilst the plaster holds. Once the plaster is removed the precious metal casting remains, ready for each piece to be individually cleaned up and polished by hand. No two pieces are therefore totally identical - each piece is unique to the wearer.
Using this method allows Katrina to create tactile, smooth flowing, sculptural shapes which are contemporary in style.
Image above: A contemporary take on the hagstone
Hagstones were used by fishermen as lucky charms. The hagstones (pebbles found on the beach with a hole through them) were hung to the back of the boats to warn off evil hags and sea spirits, to ensure that the fishermen had a safe journey through the sea.
The Infinity Sea Hagstone is designed to be a lucky talisman, to protect you and to keep you safe.