DIY ring design

[pitviper33]

Hi all. I''m not sure whether "Rocky Talk" is the right place for this question, but there seems to be more discussion on engagement rings here than anywhere else. Also, sorry if this has been covered a thousand times, but you know, search is broken...

I''m in the market for an engagement ring. I''ve looked around, and I found a designer setting that''s really close to what I want, but not quite there. I''ve also talked to WF, and they think they can make what I want. Unsurprisingly that''s a little more expensive than buying the one that''s close. I''m just slightly uneasy about how well I can communicate exactly what I want to their designer and just how many iterations he''ll have to go through before he matches the image in my head. I may go that route, but then it got me thinking. Why not just design it myself? Then I''ll know that it''s exactly what I wanted it to be the first time. And I can spend as much time as I want tweaking and adjusting without having to pay somebody else for the effort. Plus, I think it''d be really cool if I could tell my girlfriend (well I guess she''d be my fiance when I told her) that I''d designed the ring myself.

Obviously I''d still need someone else to make the mold and do the casting, but design seems like something I can handle. There would be just a few things I''d need some help on though. I''d need some details about normal post dimensions and euro-shank dimensions. I''m not sure whether any designers will be willing to share that info or if it''s considered trade secret. Has anyone here ever done something like this? What do you think?

 

[Michael_E]

I think that you may be biting off more than you can chew by doing the detailed design work on your ring. Without experience in actually building jewelry it''s nearly impossible to design a piece which take into account all of the factors that need to be considered in making a comfortable, wearable ring. Different metals have different requirements based on their strength and stiffness. There is also the requirement to allow additional material to account for losses from finishing processes. Are you going to do the hand finishing work as well as setting the stones ? If not, then you should involve whatever bench person you will be using to do those things before you finalize your design. If you don''t get some professional input from the person who will be putting it all together, you may be designing something which is unworkable, lacking in durability or uncomfortable and may not even be able to find someone willing or able to assemble and finish it.

I assume that you will be using some CAD software that you have experience with. If so then you also need to make sure that this software is compatible with whatever system the modelmaker/caster is using to build the model. You also need to take into account the fact that your model may look bulky and inflated since it''s being viewed at a much larger scale than the actual piece. If you make the model to look just right at screen scales, the actual piece will often be significantly undersized and unworkable.

If you really want to do this, I would consult with WF about it, build your model and then send it to them so that they can make sure it will work IRL. Although the design work on this is fun, the end result is the focus and you should allow someone with experience to make sure that it will work well and have a long life.

 

[waterlilly]

Nice idea, but professional designers are just that - professional. You know? Why not have it done by an expert? If you designed something that was flawed, I don''t think anyone would make it for you because they wouldn''t be able to "stand behind" the design, does that make sense?

Why can''t you just submit a detailed drawing of exactly what you are looking for to Whiteflash? They really are brilliant and can do just about anything...

It''s still you designing it, but a professional making it come to life.

 

[yssie]

Date: 4/29/2010 12:38:13 PM
Author:pitviper33
Hi all. I'm not sure whether 'Rocky Talk' is the right place for this question, but there seems to be more discussion on engagement rings here than anywhere else. Also, sorry if this has been covered a thousand times, but you know, search is broken...

I'm in the market for an engagement ring. I've looked around, and I found a designer setting that's really close to what I want, but not quite there. I've also talked to WF, and they think they can make what I want. Unsurprisingly that's a little more expensive than buying the one that's close. I'm just slightly uneasy about how well I can communicate exactly what I want to their designer and just how many iterations he'll have to go through before he matches the image in my head. I may go that route, but then it got me thinking. Why not just design it myself? Then I'll know that it's exactly what I wanted it to be the first time. And I can spend as much time as I want tweaking and adjusting without having to pay somebody else for the effort. Plus, I think it'd be really cool if I could tell my girlfriend (well I guess she'd be my fiance when I told her) that I'd designed the ring myself.

Obviously I'd still need someone else to make the mold and do the casting, but design seems like something I can handle. There would be just a few things I'd need some help on though. I'd need some details about normal post dimensions and euro-shank dimensions. I'm not sure whether any designers will be willing to share that info or if it's considered trade secret. Has anyone here ever done something like this? What do you think?

Definitely draw pictures, if you have a CAD programme at home make models, do everything you can to get the design in your head out on paper so that someone who specializes in jewellery design can see exactly what you want.

Your girlfriend will be thrilled that you dreamt up the idea of what it should look like, but unless you have experience with jewellery design I strongly suggest you leave it to the experts. There are so many variables that you need to know how to adjust for, as Michael E outlined - shank and prong thickness depending on metal, prong length, ratio of size to diamond size, diamond shape... you don't want to wind up with a weak, pliable setting that puts your diamond at risk or a chunk of metal that doesn't show it off.

 

[pitviper33]

Maybe I''ll take the middle road on this. I could create a detailed model of what I want, knowing that I don''t know what post diameters and shapes should be or how much mass should really be added with a euro-shank, et cetera. I''ll just make those parts look reasonable, then pass the model on to WF. If they don''t use the same CAD program I do (likely the case), I could at least pass it to them as a surface. Even if they can''t access and modify all of the features, they should get a very clear image of what I want. Then they can redesign with my model as their inspiration.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I think that''s a greast idea, build your model, give it to WF< end up with an amazing ring