Gem Resources International

Casting in Place

What is casting in place?

(Casting in place) is a process in which some types of gemstones, because of their ability to withstand the high temperatures, can be placed in a mold during the casting process rather than being set after the cast piece has cooled.

When is casting in place a good idea?

There are several things to consider before attempting to cast stones in place. Regardless of a stones natural hardness, flaws and impurities in the gemstone may sometimes cause it to crack. Cooling the completed piece too rapidly may also cause the gemstone to crack. Sapphire, ruby, tourmaline and laboratory-created gems are most likely to hold up to the stresses involved with casting in place. Caution should be taken to make sure that the stones are handled with care.