Revised Design - Infinity Ring

 

 

 

Being pressured to complete the ring on time, I completely forgot to put up the renderings of the revised design for the infinity ring. The client had asked for the ring width to be reduced. This is just another way of CAD making life easier by being able to tweak and edit the existing file efficiently to suit the clients new request.    

Sculptural Ring Idea

 

I am currently on the verge of designing and manufacturing a ring that is based loosely on my sculpture. It isn't the common run of the mill ring that you usually see, it is like a miniature minimalistic sculpture that is able to be worn on your finger. For me, the most significant aspect of the creation of this ring was to create something unique and different. The renderings are just a starting point for this ring design as I plan on creating a collection of these rings, using the sculptural shape created above.

Ring shape idea

 

Whilst trying to organize my papers I stumbled upon a drawing which I did towards designing for Anglo Platinum. The shape of the ring is very interesting and i feel that there could be something more to this drawing. I want to create a range of rings based loosely around the shape of these rings

Wrong ring size

 

So this is what happens when your client decides to propose to his girlfriend and gives you the wrong finger size...her finger swelled up so much that the ring had to be cut off due to it not being able to come off. Have to admit, it was a shame that the rings had to be wrecked but it was really interesting seeing how to cut off a ring without harming the wearer.

Cluster Ring - Complete

 

I have just completed designing of the cluster ring on Rhino. We have forwarded the above images to the client and if she is happy with the design we would then send it in for casting. I hope there are no issues and it casts well.

Rhino design a complete fail

 

The casting and printing was a complete failure, it is nearly impossible to set stones on this ring as the claws are all blobed together. Back to the drawing board or in this case Rhino 

Casting retake

Due to the time restrictions given on this infinity ring, I had to use another printing company in Johannesburg. I am amazed with the outcome. It is so much cleaner and neater than the previous company that I used. The infinity sign on this ring and the previous are exactly the same yet I am able to have this ring set and it's impossible with the other. 

0.02' Infinity Ring

Gents Wedding Band

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.

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.

Design Idea

 

With February considered to be the month of ‘love’, I found inspiration from walking past various stores at gateway. Most of the bigger clothing stores had mannequins wearing sexy, lacy lingerie in their front windows. Due to it being Valentine’s Day in a few weeks, I noticed that most of the clothing, regardless of being lingerie had a touch of red. This immediately gave me the idea to try to incorporate red lace in my jewellery.

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.