The blue and black material above is hard wax.  It is used by our jewelry model makers as the media used for the first step in creating new jewelry. The large cylinder and rectangular block is the raw material.  There are different colors denoting different handling qualities.  

     

The image on the left shows the original hand carved wax models of the parts used to create a 2 part ring for a custome.  The wax models were vaporized in the process of making the primary "investment" mold.  The picture on the right is a "wax" which will be size adjusted to meet a customer order and then cast in silver or gold.  In this case the design trim, the insert, will be cast separately.  The parts can later be cast in Sterling Siver or 14K/18K White or Yellow Gold (other colors also available).

 

To the left and below are more photos of another hand carved wax model of a customer's engagement ring.  Here the knotwork is made of wax covered metal wire.

 

 
Same model, different view.

The carved models and the molded waxes, later created from rubber molds, will actually be "lost" in the creation of the first metal "model" and the actual rings.  Losing (vaporizing) the wax models is part of the process of creating the "investment castings" that are used to create the first metal model and, later, the the finished piece. The waxes are always lost (vaporized) in the process of creating the investment castings needed to cast the original models and the actual rings.  This is where the term "lost wax" method comes from.  This "Lost Wax" investment casting technology has changed little since first invented by Leoardo DaVinci.

Note: There is another process for making molds using Silicone.  This process is done "cold" and the original model is not lost in the process.  The procedure is very messy and somewhat dangerous.  The only benefit is that the original hand carved wax model is not lost in the process.

  

Above are 2 views of a customer's Claddagh engagement ring.

Here The Modern Irish Claddagh
Engagement Ring Is Ready To Wear

Learn More About The " LostWax" Method
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