What is sand casting in jewellery making?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Sand casting is a metalworking method in which a pattern of the desired piece is pressed into specialised compacted sand to create a mould, the pattern is removed, and molten metal is poured into the cavity left behind. Once the metal cools, the sand mould is broken apart to reveal the casting. In jewellery, sand casting produces pieces with a distinctive slightly rough, organic surface texture quite different from the smoothness of lost-wax casting, which makes it popular when a more handcrafted or textured finish is wanted. It is one of the oldest casting methods and is still used by studio jewellers and for small-batch production.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between sand casting and lost-wax casting?
- In lost-wax casting, a wax model is coated in investment plaster, melted out, and replaced by metal, producing fine detail and smooth surfaces. Sand casting presses a pattern directly into sand, which is quicker and less expensive but gives a rougher, more textured finish and cannot capture as much fine detail.
- What metals can be sand cast for jewellery?
- Gold, silver, brass, bronze and aluminium can all be sand cast. Silver and lower-melting-point metals are most common in jewellery applications because they pour well into a sand mould. High-karat gold can be sand cast but requires care with the mould temperature and pouring technique.
- Does sand casting produce a rough finish?
- Yes, the surface of a sand cast piece is naturally textured because the sand grains leave their impression on the metal. Some jewellers keep and emphasise this texture as part of the design, while others clean it up by filing and polishing the piece to whatever finish they want.
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