We completely understand that you want your handcasting to show off jewellery that’s just as much a part of you as your fingerprint! That might be your engagement ring, wedding band, or a gorgeous statement piece you have fallen in love with. In fact, one of the most common questions we are asked is about casting rings in a handcasting kit.
The great news is that handcasting with jewellery is totally achievable, in fact our gold standard alginate captures every detail of jewellery, producing a cast that is the perfect twin of the real thing like these beautiful examples. Just read on to find out our top tips for casting your rings.
Top 5 Tips for Casting Your Rings in a Handcasting Kit
1. Ring Styles
Keep it Simple. Plain, embossed and engraved wedding bands work very well. However rings that have a rough surface or large jutting stone can damage the surface of the mould so aren’t recommended.
Let’s talk about rocks. While it’s absolutely fine to cast rings with stones, there are some particular styles or settings that can cause problems. Close fitting stones, even large ones, are absolutely fine to cast as long as you use the advice below on removing your hand from the mould once it has set. However, stones that have any gaps between the setting and your finger can cause difficulties as stone can pool underneath and ruin the detail.
Size doesn’t matter. You can cast large statement rings, and engagement rings with striking stones and settings, so long as they sit flush to the finger. In the picture below on the right, this ring is likely to tear the alginate that has set underneath it and this will cause plaster to flow into the tear. This will result in unwanted lumps of stone under the ring.
Mind the gap. Only cast rings that fit snugly. If there is any movement or there are gaps between your ring and your finger, the stone mixture will pool into the spaces creating unwanted ‘bulges’ in the finished cast like that shown:
2. Take care removing your hands
When the mould has set – which usually takes about 2 minutes – remove your hands carefully. The person wearing the least protruding jewellery should take their hand out first, followed by the person wearing any bigger rings. To avoid ripping the alginate mould, carefully pull your ring finger away from the alginate and move your hand into the space where the other hand was. You can now safely remove your hand (and jewellery) from the mould.
3. Paint plaster into the ring detail
When you have removed your hands, swill out the mould with water. If you can see the detail of your jewellery inside the mould, take a small amount of the stone powder provided in our kit to make a paste with water. Paint a little of the paste into the imprint of your jewellery. This will help the stone mixture adhere well to these important, detailed areas.
4. Tapping and rolling
Once you’ve mixed the rest of the stone plaster, fill the mould in stages, rocking the bucket around and tapping the sides firmly. This will remove air bubbles and make sure that the mixture fills every tiny space including your jewellery.
5. The right way to peel away the alginate
After 40-60 minutes, the stone plaster should be set and no longer warm to the touch which means it’s time for the big reveal. Resist the urge to tear away the alginate frantically! Go for a slow, methodical approach, peeling chunks away from top to bottom (with the fingers at the top) to reveal your hands and the fine detail of your jewellery! You can make some small cuts in the alginate with a butter knife to get started with peeling it away, but don’t cut too deep or you’ll risk cutting the surface of your cast!
Ready to try for yourself? Just order your kit here and get casting!
Get in touch with any other questions
If you’re still not sure if your ring will cast okay, just email our award-winning customer care team at hello@edinburghcasting.com including a photo of your ring and they’ll be able to give you some extra advice.
in the UK!