Creating jewellery that reflects the natural world is something I’m deeply passionate about. One technique that has really captured my heart is water casting, where molten metal meets water to create organic, one-of-a-kind pieces. The process is both beautiful and unpredictable, and it’s always a bit of a surprise to see how each piece turns out.
For anyone curious about how I make these unique creations, here are the top seven steps behind my water casting jewellery technique.
1. Choosing the Metal
The first step in the process is selecting the metal. I typically work with sterling silver, as it’s a versatile material that captures both detail and texture beautifully. Depending on the piece, I might also use yellow gold. The choice of metal can affect the final look of the piece, with each one reacting slightly differently when it hits the water.
2. Melting the Metal
Once I’ve chosen the metal, it’s time to melt it down. I use a jeweller’s torch to heat the metal until it reaches its liquid form, which is usually around 900 to 1,000 degrees Celsius, depending on the material. This part of the process always feels like a moment of transformation, watching solid metal turn into something molten and fluid.
3. Preparing the Water
The water plays a crucial role in the casting process. I’ll either use sea water or rain water, depending on the energy I want to bring into the piece. Sea water has a more powerful, elemental feel, while rain water is softer and more connected to emotions. I collect the water myself, which adds a personal touch and a sense of connection to nature. The temperature of the water also makes a difference, with cooler water creating finer textures and warmer water leading to larger, smoother shapes.
4. Pouring the Metal into the Water
This is where the magic happens. Once the metal is fully molten, I carefully pour it into the water. The reaction is instant, with the metal hardening into unique, unpredictable shapes as soon as it touches the water. The sound, the steam, and the energy of this moment are something I never get tired of. It’s nature and creativity coming together in a way that’s completely spontaneous.
5. Cleaning and Refining the Piece
After the metal has cooled and solidified, the raw casting needs a bit of cleaning up. I remove any excess material and gently polish the piece, making sure to keep the natural textures and shapes that the water has created. This part of the process is about refining, but without losing the integrity of what’s been formed. The rough, organic beauty of the casting is what makes each piece so special, so I take care not to over-polish or smooth out the details.
6. Deciding the Final Design
One of the joys of water casting is deciding what each unique piece will become. Once I have the raw form in my hands, I consider its shape and character, deciding whether it will be a pendant for a necklace, a bracelet, a ring, or a pair of earrings. Each piece speaks to me differently, and I love that this process allows the final form to emerge naturally from the casting. Once I’ve made my decision, I add any necessary components, whether that’s attaching a jump ring for a pendant, a ring band, or earring pins.
7. Finishing Touches
The final step is adding any finishing touches. Sometimes, I may add a gemstone, usually Aquamarine or Larimar, to align with the water theme, as these stones represent water and also carry their own healing properties. I like to keep these additions subtle, allowing the water casting to take centre stage. Once finished, the piece is ready to be worn, carrying with it the power and flow of water, and the uniqueness that comes with every casting.
Why Water Casting Feels So Special
Water casting is more than just a technique to me, it’s a way of connecting with the elements, letting go of control, and embracing the unexpected. Each piece I create through this process feels like a little slice of nature, captured in metal. I hope that when you wear one of these pieces, you feel that connection too, and that it reminds you to embrace the flow and movement of life.