Update #1 50th Anniversary Commemorative Necklaces
Wax #6 being prepared for casting, then a mold be made so production of the 300 necklaces can begin.
posted on May 02nd 2012 by Patricia Riley Metalsmith
Update #2 Mold
Mold is made and injection of the first 100 Lanterns has begun.
posted on May 02nd 2012 by Patricia Riley Metalsmith
Update #3 Not Words, But Deeds
Hand carved onto the back of the Lantern is the School Motto, Not Words, But Deeds. It is a subtle reminder to the wearer of the importance of your actions.
posted on May 25th 2012 by Patricia Riley Metalsmith
Update #4 Sprue Wash
This step consists of washing the waxes after they are on the Sprue, but before they are invested for casting. The Wash Solution is Dawn and H3O to remove wax dust, fingerprints and anything oily or greasy that will impede the casting. After this dries, it is sprayed with a wetting agent to prevent bubbles from sticking to the waxes.
posted on May 25th 2012 by Patricia Riley Metalsmith
Update #5 Fresh Cast
A Perfect Casting!!! 35 Beautiful Lanterns, ready to be cut off the Sprue and finished!! When casting, to calculate the metal needed, a formula is used based on the wax weight and the corresponding metal weight - for Silver, it is 10x the wax, then tripled for the Sprue/channel way and the Button on top.
posted on May 25th 2012 by Patricia Riley Metalsmith
Update #6 Individual Lantern
This finished Sterling Silver Lantern Necklace is the Official 50th Anniversary Necklace for Presentation High School in San Jose, CA. Established in 1962, the legacy of this school is inspiring.
posted on Jul 31st 2012 by Patricia Riley Metalsmith
Update #7 300 Completed Necklaces
This project began with the request for a 50th Anniversary Commemorative Necklace. A necklace with this significance could not be sent in a plastic baggie and needed to be properly presented as many would be pruchased for gifts. A collaboration was begun with the school staff to create a Display Card to fit into individual boxes. Each of the 300 necklaces comes on a Display Card and boxed as in the photo.
I am honored to have been chosen to execute the Lantern Necklace and to work with such an amazing group of people. Thank You.
posted on Jul 31st 2012 by Patricia Riley Metalsmith
