As often happens in periodical publication, one good article leads to another. Sometimes it leads to a whole series of articles that, taken as a whole, constitute a complete textbook of the subject. But a periodical’s life is usually fleeting, even for the publisher. If a series is good, it is not long before back issues containing the material are exhausted and, for practical purposes, it is lost to many people. particularly newcomers who, generally, have the greatest need for its information. Such was the history of a series of articles on investment casting by James E. Sopcak which appeared in Gems and Minerals Magazine (now out of publication). When completed, they constituted a complete “course” in lost wax or investment casting of jewelry. Therefore, it was decided to publish this information in book form. In this book you will find not only step-by-step instructions for making wax patterns, producing investment molds and casting but, what may be more important to many, chapters on how to make the equipment you will need. As mentioned, all of this information was originally published as a magazine series. To keep the cost within reach of everyone, the original type was used in this reprinting. As a result, you may find a few references to “next month” or “last month” that indicate periodical publication. But the meat of the material is affected not at all and you will find here what you need to know to start making your own jewelry castings.