Two paths to the same destination
There are very different ways to make a piece of jewellery. The two main techniques — casting and forging — give completely different results in terms of appearance, strength and character.
Cast jewellery
In cast jewellery, the metal reaches the piece in liquid form. The most common process is lost-wax casting. It allows creating complex, organic three-dimensional forms. Each mould is destroyed in the process, making every piece literally unique.
Forged jewellery
In forged jewellery, the jeweller starts from solid metal — a bar, tube or sheet — and works it mechanically to give it shape. Mechanical work compresses the metal molecules, making it denser and more resistant.
Which is better?
Neither. Each is best for a different type of piece. For organic, sculptural forms: casting. For geometric forms and heavy-use pieces: forging.
