Grace Cads- Round 1

[FallenRox]

Hello!

Today, I received the first set of Cad renders for my spinel named "Grace."
I have hope that this is actually going to happen now so we can actually get married at some point.

There are definitely some things that need changed. In fact there are some elements
totally missing from the original drawing that my beloved drew for me.

Just as when I started my search for my very first spinel and didn't know a thing about what I was doing, I also don't
know a thing about these renders. I definitely know what's missing and what I don't like. Here's a quick list-

- Lack of detail on the cuffs
- The shape of the metal on the front view around the "basket" area
- The band should be a European shank
- The heart-ish design should be tucked under the other parts on the side views
- Not sure what's up with the bits that seem to go no where. lol
- I'm guessing the program doesn't allow for fluid endings to shapes that lay on the ring? I'm hoping for more delicate tapering.
- There was something else and I forget now....

I'm posting the original drawing for comparison as well.

Thanks for your thoughts and having a look!

 

[FallenRox]

and the final image....

 

[FallenRox]

Rose and Grace

Rose is the next project, if I survive this one!
This design is for the spinel on the right.

**edit- both cut by Jerry of Gemart Services

 

[Treenbean]

I really like the pencil drawing of the design but I think the proportions are off in the CAD. The heart takes a much bigger role in the CAD, instead of seamlessly flowing into the basket. The original design in different as well in regards to 3D texture. It seems like the diamond shape on the shank should overlay the heart but in the CAD it lays flat into/on it. The little plinth shoulders/transition pieces down the shank lack your details as well. Will casting this piece allow you to get the design you want? I really love your fiancé design, which is why I raise the question about casting.

 

[GemFever]

Beautiful original drawing!

I agree that the heart should be intertwined the way it is in the drawing. And what about the area where the design flows into the ring, the detail there is missing. I guess the rendering has to be perfect before a ring is made, because it can't be altered afterwards? I have to admit I'm also pretty clueless about these things. Please post updates of the process!

- Anya

 

[FallenRox]

I really like the pencil drawing of the design but I think the proportions are off in the CAD. Will casting this piece allow you to get the design you want? I really love your fiancé design, which is why I raise the question about casting.

Thank you for the input and the compliment on the original design, and you're right about everything you said. My short list in my original post is kind of not short, and because of that, I don't feel we're ready to even breathe the word "cast" just yet. Truth be told, I think the CAD designer was in a hurry. That person and my jeweler are not the same people, which I see is going to prolong the process of moving forward because of the "middle man."

Right now, while I can see the vision, it's lacking for sure at this stage.

 

[FallenRox]

Beautiful original drawing!

I agree that the heart should be intertwined the way it is in the drawing. And what about the area where the design flows into the ring, the detail there is missing. I guess the rendering has to be perfect before a ring is made, because it can't be altered afterwards? I have to admit I'm also pretty clueless about these things. Please post updates of the process!

- Anya

Hi Anya,

I think what's difficult (well- it's all been difficult, honestly....) is that while I do adore the original drawing as well, my fiance' isn't a jewelry designer, so it is hard for him to know what is and isn't possible. I think the CAD designer improvised in some areas. All I know is that until I love the renders it isn't being made.

I'll keep updating here because if it wasn't for the group that is pricescope, I'd be buying something with far less meaning to me than what I am looking at now. The input here is invaluable. <3

 

[minousbijoux]

FR: If I had never seen Jess's design, I would think that CAD was absolutely gorgeous and so original. But his artwork is so much better than the CAD that it really isn't a fair comparison. Don't get me wrong, its still quite lovely, and I think you and Treenbean have a comprehensive list going. The only other thing I would say is make sure the prongs end up as graceful and elegant as Jess's designs, if possible...

 

[JewelFreak]

I agree that the drawing is much more graceful & interesting than the CAD. What can & can't be done is something your jeweler will tell you, of course. I was immediately struck by the difference in the area in front of the basket. It's lovely in the sketches, but in the CAD it kind of looks like a bent lamp halo sitting there for no reason. This:




Also, would you maybe want to think about going for double prongs for safety? Or would that make it too busy for you? They need to be at least not so delicate that you risk bending them & loosening the stone if you catch the ring on something.

It's gonna be a knockout, especially with that unique & pretty spinel.

--- Laurie

 

[pregcurious]

I agree with posters above. The part which I like the best about the ring is not shown in the CAD: There is a swoop of metal that acts as a basket, connecting to the prongs, going over the heart, and meeting with the apex of the diamond shape on the shank of the ring. This seems to be completely missing.

 

[FallenRox]

FR: If I had never seen Jess's design, I would think that CAD was absolutely gorgeous and so original. But his artwork is so much better than the CAD that it really isn't a fair comparison. Don't get me wrong, its still quite lovely, and I think you and Treenbean have a comprehensive list going. The only other thing I would say is make sure the prongs end up as graceful and elegant as Jess's designs, if possible...

I feel the same way... I hope the desired look can be achieved. I'm not sure what limitations there are from an ideal drawing to a finished ring. And being super picky about prongs, I'm most definitely concerned about that.

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[FallenRox]

I agree that the drawing is much more graceful & interesting than the CAD. What can & can't be done is something your jeweler will tell you, of course. I was immediately struck by the difference in the area in front of the basket. It's lovely in the sketches, but in the CAD it kind of looks like a bent lamp halo sitting there for no reason. This:




Also, would you maybe want to think about going for double prongs for safety? Or would that make it too busy for you? They need to be at least not so delicate that you risk bending them & loosening the stone if you catch the ring on something.

It's gonna be a knockout, especially with that unique & pretty spinel.

--- Laurie

Hi Laurie

That bent up looking lamp halo was a big surprise to us. lol I have no idea what happened there. Looks like he zigged instead of zagging or something. eep!

I had spoken to my jeweler about double prongs, but apparently that didn't make it to the CAD designer. It will now though! As long as they can be tapered and graceful.

Was hoping to have her by Christmas, but... I stopped with the expectations a long time ago in this project. Still hopeful, but... yeah. And thanks for the compliments, they are appreciated!

 

[FallenRox]

I agree with posters above. The part which I like the best about the ring is not shown in the CAD: There is a swoop of metal that acts as a basket, connecting to the prongs, going over the heart, and meeting with the apex of the diamond shape on the shank of the ring. This seems to be completely missing.

You wouldn't mind if I copy paste what you said on my notes to give the CAD man would you?

 

[FallenRox]

Optional new "basket" design in case the original drawing is just not possible due to unrealistic proportions....
(and this was done in photoshop so it is not CAD quality, just my fiance' playing around with it)

At first I thought it too busy, but now, I kind of like the tiny bit of extra shiny. Thoughts appreciated

 

[minousbijoux]

Wow, I would have Jess do everything! He seems to be so much more talented than the CAD renderer! His changes make it much more attractive because he adds back in the swooping line and connections that were in his original drawings. It is a big improvement, but I would still provide your comprehensive list of changes you want, and either get them to commit to the changes the way you want, or have them explain to your satisfaction why they can't incorporate the changes.

I am not kidding when I say Jess is really, really talented, and you will end up with an amazingly gorgeous ring.

 

[pregcurious]

Copy paste away!

I like Jess's photoshopping and am extremely impressed. I use photoshop also, but have no idea how I would make that. I like the new design, and the only thing I would change would be to have the prongs follow the pavilion of the stone closer.

 

[talamasca]

Wow, I would have Jess do everything! He seems to be so much more talented than the CAD renderer! His changes make it much more attractive because he adds back in the swooping line and connections that were in his original drawings. It is a big improvement, but I would still provide your comprehensive list of changes you want, and either get them to commit to the changes the way you want, or have them explain to your satisfaction why they can't incorporate the changes.

I am not kidding when I say Jess is really, really talented, and you will end up with an amazingly gorgeous ring.

Here, here! With just a small tweak he's already made it flow so much better than the orginal CAD.

Hopefully, all the tweaks you want can be done. My only advice, is definitely don't rush it.

 

[chrono]

The artist rendition is far more fluid and delicate than the CAD. In addition to the notation on issues you've picked up, I'm wondering why it seems so chunky in the CAD rendition. I can't put my finger on why though.

 

[FallenRox]

Wow, I would have Jess do everything! He seems to be so much more talented than the CAD renderer! His changes make it much more attractive because he adds back in the swooping line and connections that were in his original drawings. It is a big improvement, but I would still provide your comprehensive list of changes you want, and either get them to commit to the changes the way you want, or have them explain to your satisfaction why they can't incorporate the changes.

I am not kidding when I say Jess is really, really talented, and you will end up with an amazingly gorgeous ring.

Awww thank you so much for the kind words. I passed this on to him and I'm not sure, but I think he blushed!
He still isn't 100% happy with his new back up plan though, so I have a feeling I'll be waiting a bit longer while he does a couple more versions.

It seems this would be much easier if I could talk to the CAD designer myself, I might try that.

 

[FallenRox]

Copy paste away!

I like Jess's photoshopping and am extremely impressed. I use photoshop also, but have no idea how I would make that. I like the new design, and the only thing I would change would be to have the prongs follow the pavilion of the stone closer.

Thanks much! (and I did!)

I'm with you on that, I'm an artist as well, but I can't manipulate metal and create the way he does. It's all in his blending styles I believe and he makes those up himself. I'm SO glad you pointed out the pavilion of the stone. I knew there was something I didn't like about that and you called it. It's now on my lengthy list of changes. Really appreciate it!

 

[FallenRox]

My only advice, is definitely don't rush it.

So by Christmas... is .... likely out.
It's really hard to have patience at this point with it being SOOOOOOO close. But I know you're right.
Thanks for popping by and offering your thoughts.

 

[FallenRox]

The artist rendition is far more fluid and delicate than the CAD. In addition to the notation on issues you've picked up, I'm wondering why it seems so chunky in the CAD rendition. I can't put my finger on why though.

We've thought that too. And what I think is that there is the slightest difference in some areas of the mm width of the metal in Jess's drawing. Especially the ends of the ~flowy~ parts. And the CAD just seems like it's a metal tube that is sliced at the end like pre-bought and rolled cookie dough.

Without having designed a ring before, we weren't sure if what we saw in proportions would translate well to another person building the CAD ... and apparently we didn't do a good enough job. Now I'm just concerned that all the little flowing edges that give it the graceful lines isn't possible to render in a CAD, I was planning to see if there was a CAD section on here for finished designs to see if anyone else has images I could add to my arsenal of "Hey, I want it like this!" list.

 

[erinl]

The price of gold jewelry is so expensive, and this is a very special one of a kind piece. Don't compromise and keep your vision in mind-- I think you will be happy you did when the final ring is exactly what you wanted! Grace needs the perfect home!

 

[FallenRox]

The price of gold jewelry is so expensive, and this is a very special one of a kind piece. Don't compromise and keep your vision in mind-- I think you will be happy you did when the final ring is exactly what you wanted! Grace needs the perfect home!

You aren't kidding! I about choked when I found out the total just for the metal.
I never really intended to stay away from multiple diamonds in this design based on cost alone, I just wanted
a ring that made a statement on it's own with Grace as the cherry on top... but yeah. It's way more than I thought
it would be. That's ok though, as long as like you said- the perfect home for Grace will be worth it.

Thanks erinl!