The basic method of lost-wax casting has been widely practiced on the African continent for centuries. West African sculptors were casting brass with this method for several hundred years prior to the arrival of the first Portuguese explorers along the coast in 1484. The Akan learned the technique of brass casting from their North African trading partners, enabling them to create figurative gold weights. Brass, a combination of copper and zinc, is easier to melt and cast than gold. Akan and Ashanti metalsmiths (of present-day Ghana and Ivory Coast) used two methods of casting, which involves pouring molten metal into a mould and allowing it to cool. The most common is the lost-wax process that begins with an artist sculpting wax into the desired form. If the artist was making a large gold object, the original model would be wax covering a clay base. Thin layers of clay were applied to the wax surface to accurately capture its texture and details. When fired, the wax melted, leaving a sculptural cavity to be filled with molten metal. Once cooled, the mould was shattered in order to remove the cast object from its clay encasement. Each casting is a unique miniature sculpture.
Glass beads are made by the Krobo People of Ghana and are an excellent example of African creative recycling. Coloured bottles are collected, sorted and crushed. The fragments are then poured into individual bead moulds and fired in a kiln made from termite clay and fuelled by firewood and palm kernels that burn at a very high temperature. The hole for the bead is made using a cassava stem that burns up during firing, leaving the hole. Once the fused glass cools, the resulting beads are washed and polished using sand and water. This labour-intensive process results in each bead being truly unique and hand made. The technique has been used in Africa for centuries.
All stock ships from the Gold Coast in Queensland. The standard order processing time is 1 – 3 business days. By placing an order for goods you agree that your details, such as name, contact numbers, delivery address can be passed to those third-party couriers. While we aim to get your order delivered to you within 5 – 10 working days, in the unlikely event of extended delays, we will endeavor to inform you. Any questions or follow up regarding delivery can be directed by email to info@empiresofthesun.com.au.
All deliveries will require a signature to ensure the parcel arrives in the hands of the correct person. This cost is included in the delivery fee. Empires of the Sun cannot be held responsible for late or failed deliveries for reasons outside our control e.g. third-party couriers or in the case of adverse weather conditions. Empires of the Sun inspects and takes due diligence while packing your order to ensure it arrives in the best possible condition. All orders must be inspected upon delivery and any breakages must be reported and photographed within 24 hours of receiving your order.
Please enquire about your specific delivery timeframes prior to purchase if you require express shipping.
Empires of the Sun designs hand-crafted items using unique and antique materials. Each piece may be crafted by many hands, from artisans all over the world. Because of this, each piece contains imperfections due to its handmade nature. To us, it's perfectly imperfect.
We make every effort to portray our goods as 'true to life' as possible. However, due to image photography, compression, different screen resolutions and displays, some colours might be slightly different. To have the best indication of true colour, please ensure you view all images and any accompanying videos. If for some reason you are unhappy with your purchase, please contact us via info@empiresofthesun.com.au or Facebook.
We do not accept returns for 'change of mind' sales. We will accept refunds for broken and damaged items as long as the items are returned to us. We stand by our craftsmanship, and in the unlikely case that your jewellery breaks due to craftsmanship issues, we will repair and return it to you free of charge. However, if any breakages occur due to dropping, impact damage or any cause outside of craftsmanship, no returns will be accepted.
Please feel free to contact us at info@empiresofthesun or on Facebook for more information.
