This is a post looking at the various design processes involved to create a jewellery design. Specifically the techniques for painting small ‘pave’ set diamonds or coloured stones in metal with various finishes. The example is pendant of my own design the inspiration for which I will talk about in future post, along with the rest of the collection.
Once the various sketches have been refined and the final design decided on I like to go straight into Rhino and create a 3d model. I used to draw designs by hand but having learnt to use Rhino I like to save time by creating the model, the outline of which can printed out, using pen mode and, effectively, coloured in.
You then have the 3d model that can be rapid prototyped and a mould created for casting. This doesn’t apply if the piece is going to be handmade, if thats the case just go with the method your most comfortable with to create the outline drawing. As with any design process its about how you feel you can best communicate your ideas, if you can do that effectively and save some time in the production process then crack on.
Now the outline has been printed you can see the two different techniques for painting in coloured stones and diamonds.
Design inspiration, exploration and explanation 