sand casting for jewellers with iain sainsbury (podcast episode)
In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by jeweller and tutor Iain Sainsbury to talk all about sand casting for jewellers and how you can do it safely, confidently, and successfully at home.
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In this week’s episode of the Jewellers Academy Podcast, Jess is joined by jeweller and tutor Iain Sainsbury to talk all about sand casting for jewellers and how you can do it safely, confidently, and successfully at home.
Iain introduces his brand-new online course in sand casting, available now on pre-sale with 50% off until 6th November 2025. He shares why this ancient metalworking technique, dating back thousands of years, is experiencing a revival. With its low cost of entry, minimal equipment needs, and beautifully rustic results, sand casting allows jewellers to cast their own designs at home without the need to wait on external casters. No two sand cast pieces are ever the same, making every creation uniquely yours.
Jess and Iain dive into practical tips for safer, smarter sand casting at home, including:
Safety First: Essential setup for fire safety, ventilation, and personal protection. Why you should avoid bulky gloves, always tie back long hair, and keep a fire extinguisher close by.
Getting Hot Enough: Why standard butane torches won’t cut it, and what to use instead - from MAP gas torches to oxygen/propane systems for faster, cleaner melts.
Building Your Casting Area: How to create a simple heat-containing furnace using soldering boards and ceramic bricks to help your metal flow perfectly.
‘Thinking Like Metal’: Preparing your mould properly, from vent holes to clean sand and positioning, to ensure the molten metal runs smoothly and fully fills the design.
Experiment and Enjoy It: Sand casting is part science, part play. Start small, embrace the imperfections, and enjoy the excitement of seeing metal become something new.
This episode is for you if you’re curious about the process of casting your own pieces from home or have experience with it and want to refine your home set up.
SAND CASTING FOR JEWELLERS - new online course
If you’ve been inspired to give sand casting a try then check out our brand new online course. Professionally filmed with experienced jeweller Iain Sainsbury you will learn:
How to set up your sand casting area
How to prepare your mould
Seasoning your crucible
Creating your casting space
The casting process - heating the metal and pouring
Casting a wax carved piece
Casting a 3D object - in this project Iain demonstrates casting a heart pendant. The same technique can be used to cast other objects
Casting rings, pendants and charms etc
Casting heat proof stones in place
Cleaning up your castings
Health and safety for sandcasting
And right now, this course is 50% off in our launch sale. You get lifetime access, a full set of class notes and a tools and materials list.
Launch offer ends on 6th Nov 2025.
About iain
In 2018, after two decades in the pharmaceutical industry Iain left his career through burnout and found designing and making jewellery during his recovery.
He is a fine jeweller who centres his work around mixing rough sandcasting with fine jewellery techniques to create one-of-a-kind pieces. He reimagines iconic designs, such as sculptures, or jewellery styles using beach sand to create contrasting textures, and gemstones to add emphasis and colour. He has completed both the Fine and Advance Diplomas with Jewellers Academy and has since exhibited at national shows such as Goldsmiths North and Made Brighton. In 2025 he was shortlisted for the NAJ Awards for "Collection of the Year” with his ATOMIUM collection.
All his pieces are handmade in his workshop with ethically sourced gemstones and either single mine origin or recycled precious metals.
Website: https://iainsainsbury.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iains_jewellery/
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With Iain Sainsbury
In this episode, Jess chats with Iain Sainsbury, who is the featured jeweller in the fourth episode of the Handmade Jewellers series and who recently got accepted to showcase his work at Goldsmiths North, a prestigious fair for jewellers. Ian shares his journey of applying to the fair, highlighting the challenges and decisions involved. He emphasizes the importance of having a platform where people can physically engage with his jewellery, which led him to apply to Goldsmiths North.