Cire-perdue

Cire-perdue is an ancient technique in metal casting, using a wax model covered in plaster to create intricate designs.

Part of speech: noun
Definition: The cire-perdue, also known widely as the lost wax method, is a highly revered technique in the creation of metal sculptures and jewelry, dating back thousands of years. This process involves sculpting a model of the desired piece in wax, then encasing it in a heat-resistant material like plaster or clay to form a mold. Once the mold is heated, the wax melts away (hence 'lost wax'), leaving a cavity that is subsequently filled with molten metal. Upon solidification, the outer shell is removed, unveiling a metal piece that replicates the original wax model's intricate details. This method allows for the production of complex and delicate designs that would be difficult to achieve through traditional metalworking techniques. Notably, cire-perdue enables artists and jewelers to create unique and detailed pieces with a level of finesse and precision that underscores the artistic and technical prowess involved.