194 
RERAMIC STUDIO 
Charm Rings. 
Jewish wedding ring. Egyptian 
(modern). 
Decade Signet-ring. 
111. No. 5. 
During the XVI century in Europe poison rings were 
used, the poison was in or under the setting. Illus. No. 5. 
Mourning rings were worn in the XVII century, espe- 
cially in England. A number of the earlier ones have small 
skulls enamelled on them and many are set with black 
enamel and diamonds. 
Poesie rings were so called because of the poetical words 
inscribed on them, these however conveying more sentiment 
than art, as the following rhymes show : 
In thee my choice I do rejoice. 
True is the love that I O U. 
From studying the history of rings we find they have 
taken an important part in the every day life of many people. 
In these days, excepting for weddings and betrothal rings 
they have lost much of their meaning and are worn mostly 
for. adornment. 
Modern rings and some problems in making them will 
be given in a later article. 
(TO BE CONTINUED) 
The Allistan Ring. 
The Darnley.Riiig. 
ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES 
R. D. — You can get tools for metal work from W. Dixon, 39 John St. 
The book on silver work and jewelry by H. Wilson published by D. Appleton, 
New York, might help you. 
M. E. S. — The Davis Press, Worcester, Mass., have lately published, a 
book on copper work by A. F. Rose. 
A. O. — You can get leather for all kinds of work from M. B. Willcox, 21 
Spruce St., New York. 
L. W. — The leather must be kept quite damp while the modeling is being 
done. Wet the underside with a sponge carefully, using very little water, so 
that it will not soak through to the other side. 
ART IN PEWTER 
(CONTINUED.) 
TECHNICAL PART 
/. Brateau 
Moulds Adapted to the Casting of Pewter 
These moulds can be made of various materials, and of 
different degrees of resistance; thus allowing greater or less 
delicacy and finish in the objects produced. 
Of these materials we shall first consider copper, and 
explain its technical treatment in detail; since we place it in 
the highest rank, as a metal giving the best results in solidity 
as also in the perfect accuracy with which it renders all 
details of engraving and chasing. 
For such moulds iron, steel, lithographic stone, or similar 
substances, such as slate, or dried clay, and even wood, may 
be employed. But it is evident that a wooden mould can 
produce only a rude object, which is in no wise comparable 
with the results to be obtained from the use of a copper 
matrix. 
If the object be a tray, or a plate (these articles being 
the easiest ones to execute from a practical point of view, 
since the moulds do not require complicated construction), 
the craftsman having made his preliminary sketch, must cut 
or model a general form, either in wood, or plaster; the latter 
material being preferable. Upon the edge of the plaster 
he leaves a margin of a few centimeters lower than the height 
of the relief to be given to the object. (Fig. i A) 
Fig. 1. — Tray turned in plaster. A, margin; B, cut. 
Next, having coated with shellac the plaster form, 
he models the decoration upon it; using for this pur- 
pose wax, plastiline, or other sufficiently adhesive mate- 
rial. Proceeding thus, and arrived at a somewhat advanced 
point of his work, he must examine carefully all parts 
of his piece, down to the points in the slightest relief, 
in order to provide that the mould may "draw"; the term 
just used and the principle involved being easily under- 
stood, if we assume the piece to be a sphere, any point of 
relief upon whose surface must not exceed its greatest con- 
vexity. (Fig. 2.) 
Upon the same principle a small figure, a flower, or a 
conventional ornament must not be sunken below the level 
of the general outline, as with this undercutting, it would 
be impossible to make a cast without spoiling the modeling 
of the piece. 
Various Plaster Moulds. 
After having applied with a brush a thin coating of oil 
to the modeling, so that the plaster about to be poured on 
may not adhere, the workman makes a first cast. He thus 
obtains a mould which he examines with extreme care, to 
