A Diamond District jewelry shop has successfully cast a cannabis flower in solid gold, creating what may be the most literal interpretation of "green gold" the industry has seen.
TraxNYC, a New York City jewelry manufacturer, spent two to three months perfecting the technique after numerous failed attempts. The final piece tests at 10.81 karats on the shop's own scanner. The actual cannabis flower vaporized during the casting process, leaving behind only its precise shape in precious metal.
The project started when a bag of flower arrived at the Diamond District shop—none of which got smoked, according to the team. What followed was a technical challenge that required multiple attempts before achieving success.
The Technical Challenge
The casting process proved far more difficult than standard jewelry work. Fresh cannabis ruined the mold in early attempts, forcing the team to adjust their approach. The flower had to be vaporized completely during the gold pour, which happens at temperatures around 1,950 degrees Fahrenheit.
Multiple castings blew up before one finally held. The team had to balance the moisture content of the flower, the temperature of the molten gold, and the structural integrity of the mold—a combination that took months to perfect.
Cannabis Meets Luxury Goods
The piece represents a growing intersection between cannabis culture and high-end luxury goods. As legalization expands, cannabis-themed jewelry and accessories have moved from counterculture symbols to mainstream luxury items.
TraxNYC operates in Manhattan's Diamond District, a hub for fine jewelry manufacturing. The shop is known for custom pieces and technical metalwork, but the cannabis casting pushed their capabilities into new territory.
The crew still can't agree on certain aspects of the process, according to the shop. But the final result—a perfectly preserved flower structure in solid gold—speaks for itself.
What's Next
The successful casting opens possibilities for custom cannabis-themed jewelry that goes beyond simple leaf motifs. Each nug has a unique structure, making every casting a one-of-a-kind piece.
Whether the piece ends up as a museum curiosity, a collector's item, or the first in a new line of cannabis jewelry remains to be seen. But the technical achievement alone marks a milestone in cannabis culture meeting fine metalwork.
The shop has not announced pricing or availability for similar pieces. At current gold prices, the raw material value of 10.81 karats would be substantial before factoring in the labor-intensive casting process.
This article is based on original reporting by hightimes.com.
