Cire-Perdue Sterling Silver Jewelry | Lost Wax Casting Process

The Cire-Perdue Process in Sterling Silver Jewelry

Cire-perdue, or lost wax casting, is one of the oldest and most respected jewelry-making techniques in the world. This meticulous process transforms a hand-carved wax model into solid sterling silver, preserving every detail of the original design.

Used for centuries by master artisans, cire-perdue is considered a hallmark of fine jewelry craftsmanship due to its labor intensity, precision, and sculptural quality.

At Renata Rubio 92.5, many sterling silver rings are created using this traditional casting method, allowing for dimensional designs that cannot be achieved through machine manufacturing.

What Does Cire-Perdue Mean?

“Cire-perdue” is French for “lost wax.”

The term refers to the wax model that is destroyed during the casting process. Once the molten silver replaces the wax, the original carving is permanently lost, making each cast a direct translation of the artisan’s work.

This is why lost wax jewelry carries a sculptural, hand-formed character that distinguishes it from mass-produced pieces.

Step-by-Step: The Lost Wax Casting Process

1) Hand Carving the Wax Model

An artisan begins by carving the jewelry design entirely in wax.

Every texture, curve, engraving, and surface detail is sculpted by hand. This stage requires artistic skill and technical foresight, since the wax must anticipate how molten silver will flow.

Because wax is soft, even the smallest tool mark becomes part of the final silver piece.  our Thick Sterling Silver Wave Ring is a perfect example of a sculptural ring created using this very technique.

2) Creating the Mold

The finished wax model is encased in a plaster-like investment material to create a mold.

Once hardened, the mold is heated in a kiln. The wax melts and drains away, leaving a hollow cavity: the “lost wax” impression.

This cavity will become the final sterling silver form.

3) Pouring Molten Sterling Silver

Molten sterling silver is poured into the mold at extremely high temperatures.

The liquid metal fills every microscopic detail left behind by the wax carving, preserving textures, edges, and sculptural depth.

After cooling, the mold is broken open to reveal the raw silver casting.

No two castings emerge identically.

4) Finishing and Polishing

Once removed from the mold, the piece undergoes extensive hand finishing:

• Filing

• Soldering (if needed)

• Surface refinement

• Oxidation detailing

• Polishing

This final stage brings the jewelry to life, enhancing contrast and dimensionality.

Why Cire-Perdue Is Labor Intensive

Lost wax casting requires significantly more time and skill than machine fabrication.

Key reasons include:

• Each wax model is carved individually
• The mold is destroyed after casting
• No mass duplication from a single mold
• Extensive hand finishing is required
• High silver loss occurs during casting

Because of this, cire-perdue jewelry is produced in smaller quantities and reflects a higher level of artisan involvement.

A Hallmark of Fine Jewelry Craftsmanship

Cire-perdue is widely regarded as a mark of fine jewelry because it allows for:

• Sculptural depth
• Organic textures
• Intricate relief work
• Dimensional silhouettes
• Artistic individuality

Designs created through lost wax casting often feel more substantial, expressive, and enduring than stamped or machine-formed pieces.  Bold sterling silver rings are very intentionally created, such as our Triangle Sterling Silver Ring with Ridges.

Cire-Perdue in Sterling Silver Rings

Sterling silver rings are especially well suited to the lost wax process.

The technique allows artisans to create bold forms, layered textures, and sculptural profiles that cannot be replicated through traditional fabrication.

Many of the statement rings within the Renata Rubio 92.5 collection are created using cire-perdue casting, reflecting the brand’s commitment to traditional silversmithing and timeless design.  Delightful designs include our Mosaic Oxidized Sterling Silver Ring and the Swirl Oxidized Sterling Silver Ring

Enduring Craftsmanship

Cire-perdue remains one of the most revered jewelry-making techniques because it bridges art and metallurgy.

Each finished sterling silver piece carries the imprint of the original wax carving, a permanent record of the artisan’s hand.

Renata Rubio 92.5 continues to honor this time-intensive process through handcrafted sterling silver jewelry designed for longevity. Every piece carries a lifetime warranty, reflecting confidence in craftsmanship and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wax Cast Sterling Silver Rings

What is a wax cast sterling silver ring?

A wax cast sterling silver ring is created using the cire-perdue, or lost wax casting process. An artisan hand-carves the design in wax, which is then cast in molten sterling silver, preserving every sculptural detail of the original carving.

What does cire-perdue mean?

Cire-perdue is French for “lost wax.” The term refers to the wax model that is melted away during casting, leaving a hollow mold that is filled with molten silver to form the final piece.

Are wax cast rings handmade?

Yes. The process begins with a hand-carved wax model created by an artisan. While the casting itself uses molten metal, the design, sculpting, and finishing stages are highly manual and require significant craftsmanship.

Why are wax cast rings considered fine jewelry?

Lost wax casting is labor intensive and allows for sculptural depth, organic textures, and dimensional forms that cannot be achieved through machine fabrication. This level of artistry is widely associated with fine jewelry production.

Are wax cast sterling silver rings heavier?

They often are. Because wax carving allows for bold, dimensional designs, the finished sterling silver ring may have more substantial weight compared to stamped or machine-formed rings.

Can wax cast rings be mass produced?

Each wax model is destroyed during casting, meaning the original carving cannot be reused. While molds can be replicated from master models, the process remains far more labor intensive than machine manufacturing.

Do wax cast rings last longer?

Yes. Wax cast sterling silver rings are known for their solid construction and dimensional thickness, which contribute to long-term durability. Because the cire-perdue process allows artisans to create substantial forms rather than thin fabricated structures, these rings are designed to withstand everyday wear.

At Renata Rubio 92.5, this level of craftsmanship supports a lifetime warranty on all sterling silver jewelry. Each wax cast ring is made to last a lifetime, reflecting confidence in both the materials and the traditional silversmithing techniques behind its creation.

What types of designs are best suited for wax casting?

Wax casting is ideal for:

• Statement rings
• Sculptural motifs
• Textured surfaces
• Organic forms
• Intricate relief designs

These details are difficult to achieve through fabrication alone.

How can I tell if a ring is wax cast?

Wax cast rings often display:

• Dimensional depth
• Sculptural curves
• Hand-finished textures
• Oxidized recesses
• Substantial silver weight

They feel more like miniature sculptures than flat metal forms.

Why does Renata Rubio 92.5 use wax casting?

The cire-perdue process allows the brand to create expressive sterling silver rings that reflect traditional silversmithing techniques. Each piece is designed for longevity and backed by a lifetime warranty.