One of the techniques used is the process of sand casting using delft clay. A one-time mold is made of the object in delft clay (a sandy silty fine clay). The original model can either be a carved wax model or natural objects like sea shells. Either sterling silver or 14K gold is melted and then poured into the mold. Once the metal has been quenched and is cool, the mold is broken open and the cast piece is removed and hand finished. The molds cannot be reused. An example of this can be seen in the sterling silver single link bracelets and necklaces with cast sea shells from the Carolina coast.
Sand casting
Initial melt reusing scrap sterling silver
The metal has to reach a fluid molten state
Pouring
Pouring
After quenching the mold is opened
