Design Generation CAD

There may be more than one might expect in design generation of even the most simple of designs.  This ring design project for my local clients Sam and Maureen starts in the CAD application “Rhinoceros” with what are called “formers” comprised of mostly open and closed curves around which the ring will be formed.  This first process image depicts the most basic initial former, a circle that is the diameter of a specific ring size.  In this case, a size 5~US.  Also visible are the formers used to create the bezel which holds the gemstone.

Next I form the shank by splitting the sizing curve in half and making closed curves which will become the cross-section of the new ring shank.

Next, the shank is formed by “sweeping” the rail (the semi-circle) using the cross-section curves as guides.  This form is still only a surface at this point with open ends.
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I will mirror that shank surface to form the complete ring and close the ends to make it a solid.  Then I move the bezel into place for a finished ring.  Again, this seem simple enough but it often takes a lot of manipulation of the rail and the cross sections before the resultant surface meets my expectation of aesthetic and function!  The same is true for each element of design generation.
I can then in most cases add nearly anything a client wants on the inside of the ring, or on the outside as additional decoration.  This design as is will be very clean-lined.

This basic design can be modified to accommodate any size gem or finger size, the bezel can be taller or shorter and the shank can be wider or narrower.  Or we can use this as a starting point and add decoration per client request.  Once we have the design nailed down, we print the design on our B9Creator® and cast in the precious metal you choose.
At Gary Dawson Jewelry Design we take a lot of pride in the fact that we can claim sole authorship in nearly everything we make for our clients!  From design generation to gem setting and final polish, it is all done in our small studio in Eugene, OR.  With over 40 years of design and manufacturing experience, we are prepared to make you smile when you see your ideas combined with our expertise come together in heirloom quality jewelry.  Or select one of our growing number of existing designs and we will produce it for you with the love and care you would expect from a master craftsperson!
And thank you very much to Sam and Maureen for allowing me to use this example and their names to personalize the project even further!