A model of the finished product is carved in wax and positioned in a container. The mold is heated, which melts the wax and creates a perfect mold or hollow form of the original design. The mold is then filled with gold or silver, creating a perfect cast of the design. An example of lost wax casting is shown in the silver section. Die striking produces a stronger product than casting the metal.
Gold is malleable and the design can be stamped, cut, or formed with the proper machinery.
Gold electroforming could be equated to a paper-mache ball created by wrapping strips of plastered paper around an inflated balloon. When the paper hardens the balloon is popped, leaving a hollow sculpture. Now, technology and new equipment has brought electroforming to the mass market and the U.S. is playing a leading role. A layer of 10K gold or better can be mechanically bonded to all significant surfaces. An electrolytic process where a coating of gold of not less than 10K fineness, with a minimum thickness equivalent to 7 millionths of an inch.