In this episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by fine jeweller and tutor Jane Taylor to explore the advantages of working in wax as a fine jeweller.
Jane has been running her jewellery business for nearly 25 years and shares how wax carving has played an important role throughout her career. They discuss how wax allows jewellers to create sculptural, three-dimensional designs that would be difficult to achieve in sheet metal alone, as well as how it can reduce metal waste and make working with unusual gemstones easier.
Jane also shares several of the projects she teaches on the Jewellers Academy Wax Diploma, including shaped signet rings, claw settings in wax, a dramatic cocktail ring and an organic grain-set ring. These projects help students understand the full journey of a piece of jewellery, from design and carving through to casting, stone setting and finishing.
The conversation also explores how wax models can be used in bespoke jewellery commissions to help clients visualise designs in three dimensions before casting. Alongside the practical benefits, Jane talks about the creative freedom and satisfaction that comes from carving wax and seeing a piece transform from a simple block of wax into finished jewellery.
Key moments in the conversation
00:02:06: Introduction to Jane Taylor and the focus on wax in jewellery making
00:03:49: Jane's jewellery journey and building her workshop and jewellery business
00:06:18: Project spotlight: carving shaped signet rings in wax
00:10:37: Learning claw setting in wax and understanding stone setting from the start
00:16:04: Creating a sculptural cocktail ring with a large oval stone
00:21:07: Grain setting in wax and designing colourful, organic cluster rings
00:26:38: Jane's wax journey and how it shaped her work as a fine jeweller
00:30:30: Using wax models to communicate designs with clients
00:34:30: Why wax is an accessible and cost-effective material for experimentation
00:35:02: What Jane loves about teaching wax and seeing students' creativity grow
Whether you are a beginner jeweller or an experienced maker, this episode offers insight into how wax carving can expand your design possibilities and deepen your jewellery making skills.
Learn more about the Diploma in Wax Jewellery https://www.jewellersacademy.com/diploma-in-wax-jewellery
Jane Taylor's website https://www.jewelled.co.uk/
Jane's Instagram @jewelledgodalming