Keeping with the times

Whilst working at Vijay Shah Jewellers, I have noticed that there is a strong shift towards jewellery being designed on Rhino and printed using a 3D printer. I cant help but think that this is the way forward in the Jewellery industry. Whilst I am still not yet able to afford the 3-D printing system, I have purchased Rhino Gold earlier on in the year and somehow I have ended up neglecting to familiarising myself with this program. In my opinion, I feel strongly about this being the way forward in terms of manufacturing jewellery. Maybe I should try and incorporate designing and manufacturing on Rhino whist continuing with my B-tech?

How to tie your lace

 

 The major issue that I am currently facing is finding a suitable material to use to lace the ring up that is durable and neat at the same time. I have made two prototypes, each of them using fishing gut. This seems to work well and is extremely durable. I was able to burn the ends of into little balls as apposed to having to tie it. The problem now lies not with the material but the challenge that I could only lay my hands on lumo green gut that doesn't have the same look and appeal as the red would. A trip to the local fishing store this weekend is in order.

Seduction

 

 In my previous post, I spoke about adding a black enamel paint to my work. I decided to add a random texture by using a rubber wheel which created ridges. (depicted as figure 1) I then coated the ring with a thin layer of black enamel paint. (depicted as figure 2) I am pleased with the outcome, as I feel it has given a crinkled leathery look to it. The black and red combination has a very sensual/seductive feel to it. Still not happy with the red string used, need to find something more durable.

Without the addition of colour, our lives would be so boring.

 

This was one of the small jobs that I had to do this week. I had to add black enamel paint between the circles to give the illusion of it being little black shiny cabochon stones that were set in the little beads for a mungal sutra (Indian wedding chain). This gives me an idea of applying it onto one of the rings I am currently working on. will it work? I actually have no idea but there is no harm in trying it anyway.

Experimentation

 

I have created another ring to experiment with. I have doubled the distance between each hole as well as created a very bumpy random texture using a rubber wheel. I am not happy with the turnout of the 'lacy' bit, and  perhaps I should make the gap a little smaller instead. I found the random texture really cool as in my opinion it gives one the illusion of the possibility of being able to tighten the ring using the lace. I am toying with the idea of adding colour to ring to contrast the lace. The silver wire isn't giving me the desired effect that I seek.

Problem Solving

 

Following my previous post, I addressed the issue I had regarding the usability of lace, which frayed and got loose after a very short amount of time, by using wire. I have drawn 0.30mm sterling silver wire and threaded them to replace the red lace. I soldered the wire to the ring, which made the ends appear a lot neater. However after doing all this I feel that the gaps between the holes should be larger. 

Prototype of lace rings

  

I am having a problem with the tying of each end of the lace. It is difficult to make a big enough knot on either end as well as, the problem of the lace fraying after a short period of time. I will perhaps try making the last two holes slightly smaller or replacing the lace with  0.30mm wire.

Lets get started!

 

Sculptural Ring

Better late than never, over the next two years I am working as an apprentice at Vijay Shah Jewellers as well as studying part time towards my B-tech in jewellery design and manufacture. I am hoping to improve my skills in manufacturing as well as learn different techniques in which I am able to incorporate into my Btech work. Completely mind boggled on how to begin manufacturing jewellery towards my Btech, I decided to carry on from where I stopped last year.