Spiked Open Heart Pendant
I utilized Tinkercad to craft a pendant in the exquisite Open Heart style, seamlessly bringing it to life through the artistry of casting.
Supplies
3D printer
Metal of choice (I used Pewter, a tin-based alloy)
Cupola furnace(s)
Green sand for casting
Dremel
Files of different grits
Buffing or polish wheel
Patience
3d Model
Once you've fashioned your desired piece, bring it to life by 3D printing it using the filament of your choice.
Casting
Employing green sand, imprint the shape by evenly pressing the piece into the sand, ensuring to create a channel for the molten metal to flow into the desired form.
Dremel
Once your casting has cooled, skillfully remove excess metals and refine the piece. In this instance, I employed a Dremel to delicately remove any small imperfections in the casting.
File
Now that your piece is cut to your liking, it's time to refine it further. Begin with a low grit file and gradually progress to higher grits, ensuring to file in one direction only for a smoother finish.
Polish and Admire
Finally, with our piece in hand, a polished finish awaits. Achieve that glow using a buffing wheel or, in this case, a chosen polishing cloth.
Before polishing, ensure your jewelry is clean. Wipe it with a damp cloth dipped in soapy water. Use the polishing cloth in a back-and-forth motion on small areas.
After polishing, inspect your jewelry to ensure it meets expectations. If any tarnish or spots remain, repeat the process.