UnEarthed Workshop with Kirra-lea Caynes

In this one day workshop, Kirra-lea will guide you through the process of designing and sand-casting your very own sterling silver jewellery pieces with cast-in-place sapphires. This workshop is specifically designed to cater to both novices with no previous experience, and more advanced jewellers who are interested in adding to their skill set. You will leave the workshop inspired with a sense of accomplishment, your pieces polished and ready to wear!

Kirra-lea will provide a variety of rough sapphires sourced from the Coolamon Mine in Queensland, along with 30g of sterling silver. Sand casting can be used to replicate almost any hard object and turn it into precious jewellery. She offers an extensive array of objects to mould and cast, but you can bring along your own hard objects. Maybe bring a few because not all shapes are appropriate for the sand casting process.

And if you have any sapphires, rubies or diamonds you would like to cast in place you can bring your own to use. We can also melt down and cast your own metal if you would like something made in gold or you have sentimental metal. The materials provided will allow you to make up to 3 pieces of jewellery.

What the day includes:

• A whole day workshop from 10am – 5pm
• Lunch, coffee, tea and snacks throughout the day
• All materials including Australian rough sapphires and 30g of silver
• A clean, contemporary work space to create your jewellery pieces
• A complimentary glass of champagne to celebrate at the end of the day!

What you will learn and create:

• How to create a mould for sand-casting
• How to position gemstones for best results
• How to melt and pour precious metals into the mould
• How to clean and polish your finished pieces
• Leave with up to 3 of your own bespoke jewellery pieces
• A unique learning experience that will stay with you forever!

What you should wear and bring with you:

All you need to bring is yourself! Lunch, snacks, tea and coffee will be provided. All the tools and materials required for this workshop will also be supplied, but if you have your favourite hand tools feel free to bring them along.

Please dress appropriately: closed in shoes, long pants, hair tied back. Note that we are working with clay, so it can get a little messy. The classes are limited to 6 students to ensure a guided, attentive experience.

About your instructor, Kirra-lea Caynes

Hello! My name is Kirra-Lea and I am a trade-qualified jeweller who has been manufacturing for over 10 years. My passion lies in contemporary jewellery, particularly inspired by raw materials and natural phenomena. I have been using the sand casting technique for over 5 years and for the past 3 I have been doing cast in place sapphires.

I look forward to creating with you!

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What if I can't attend after booking?

We understand that life can get in the way and plans can change. If you need to reschedule, we can provide 100% credit towards another programme if you contact us 7 or more days prior to the workshop date. Less than 3 days notice and we can provide 50% credit towards another workshop. Unfortunately, we can't provide any refunds or credits if you cancel on the day.

And if in the unlikely event that we need to reschedule, you will be offered either a full refund or 100% credit towards another workshop.