The process of making Icy Mouse concrete jewelry

I couldn't find any manual explaining how to make concrete jewelry... so I had to invent my own techniques. Through trial, error, experimentation, and discovery, I developed a true creative protocol, halfway between an artist's studio and a laboratory. Here are the steps that give birth to each piece.

There are seven steps that are common to all jewelry, and other steps that are added depending on the specificities of each collection.

Step One: Prepare the molds, inclusions, and primers. Everything must be in place because once the concrete is mixed, you have to move very quickly.

Second step: Mix the concrete with water drop by drop until you get the right consistency, and possibly add the black pigment for the Patti , Justine , Laetitia , Alice , Diane collections.

Third step: Pouring (setting time: 5 minutes). I can do a maximum of 5 or 6 pieces at a time because beyond that the concrete begins to harden.

Inclusions are made post-casting for certain collections such as the Oksana collection or the Alice collection.

Step Four: Hardening (minimum 10 hours). This is the most complicated step because you have to be careful not to unmold too early, otherwise you risk damaging the jewelry if the concrete is not hard enough.

Step Five: Unmolding. The most satisfying step because you get to see the result!

Step Six: Abrading the edges with a milling machine

Optional step: sanding with a pumice sponge for the gray concrete collections - Luna , Inès , Isaure , Paloma collections. The granularity of the concrete then appears.

Optional step: 23 carat gold leaf gilding - Luna collection, Inès

Optional step: Gold acrylic paint (7 layers) - Bulle collection

Seventh step: Application of a water-repellent varnish (2 coats) to protect the concrete against stains.

Behind every piece of jewelry lies this meticulous process, made up of precise gestures, patience, and experimentation. If you want to discover concrete in a poetic, precious, and unexpected light, I invite you to explore my collections —and perhaps find the piece that will echo your own uniqueness.