Making of a Ring: Part 1

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Pictured above: melting the gold in a crucible

In making a ring, our first step is to determine a jewelry design's composition. Various elements are weighed and ratios are calculated. Propane is mixed with oxygen to create a flame hot enough to melt the metals quickly and evenly. As temperatures move beyond 900 degrees centigrade, specialized ceramic crucibles are needed to hold the molten gold. Borax powder helps remove

impurities from the gold alloy and to make it more viscous when pouring. As soon as the liquefied metal starts to ’dance’, it is quickly poured into an iron ingot mold. The oil applied to the mold makes it easier to remove the gold ingot once it has cooled off. Upon reaching a solid state the ingot will be warm to the touch.