Water Casting

Some jewelry techniques are about precision. Water casting is about embracing the unexpected. In water casting, molten silver is poured directly into water. The sudden change in temperature causes the metal to solidify almost instantly, capturing shapes, folds, and textures created during that brief moment of movement. The result is an organic piece of metal that could never be reproduced exactly.

Letting the Metal Create the Form

Unlike casting into a mold, there is no predetermined final shape. I can control the amount of silver, how it's melted, and how it's poured—but once the molten metal reaches the water, gravity, movement, and rapid cooling take over.

Afterward, the casting is cleaned and examined from different angles. What initially looks like a random piece of silver can suggest a surprisingly interesting shape or composition. That's when the jewelry design begins.

From Casting to Pendant

For this pendant, I kept the irregular folds and edges created by the casting rather than trying to make them uniform. Polishing selected areas emphasizes the movement of the silver, while a faceted Alexandrite adds a point of color and a precise geometric element against the unpredictable form of the metal.

Alexandrite is particularly interesting because of its ability to appear different in changing light. That shifting character seems especially appropriate here: a gemstone known for change set into a piece of silver whose form was created through movement and chance.

It's the contrast I find interesting: a carefully set gemstone surrounded by a shape that was largely created by chance.

At the Bench

Water casting is equal parts control and surrender. I control the metal and the pour—everything after that is in the hands of water and gravity. The result is never completely predictable. That's what makes it exciting.