Project 4 Step 1 continued

The Top Diamonds

I am going to add the vectors for the diamonds that are around the center stone. These diamonds are 1.3mm each. I "Paste Along Curve" 24 of these stones. I selected 24 by trial and error because of the fit. Remember it is best to use an even stone number to paste. I will then add the .6mm diameter prongs by nudging and mirroring them. I like to raise the prongs at a 50 to 80 degree dome and .6mm height.  I used 50 degree in this project. This is what the vectors should look like.

The Finished Top

 

The Top Diamonds Video

Project 4 Ladies Engagement Ring

This project has several techniques used to make it. First, the under gallery is designed in the ring Blank 3 Axis model to demonstrate and introduce the possibilities there. In other projects I will show other techniques for more advanced galleries. Second, the side diamonds on the shank has the angle of the prongs corrected by using a cutter method. This technique can be used for other shaped parts a jewelry designer can add to an assembly. ArtCam draws prongs and other objects straight up and down as a default in the program. I will demonstrate another simpler technique in another project that will make these prongs perpendicular to the shank much quicker. 

Step 1
In this design I will create a softly squared top with 24 1.3mm diamonds around a 1 carat center. I start with the center diamond vector of 6.4mm and then draw a 12mm square with a 1mm radii. The center prongs are 1.2mm that I place in position, then mirror. I copy these two then rotate 90 degrees and then rotate all four prongs 45 degrees.  I then offset the outside square vectors by these amounts in this order.
.4mm
.65mm
.65mm
.4mm
.35mm
The center stone vector is then offset by .25mm and 1mm. The vectors should look like this:

The Top

After drawing the vectors I will use the 3D Blend tool to make the initial plate. I use a small taper with the 3D Blend tool (.5mm Border and 1.0mm inner vector) to minimize the distortion that would occur when I make the prongs. Also it is more pleasing to the eye then a sharp incline. I then subtract the shadow box and build a couple raised areas on the top for decoration. I also made a bezel edge for the center stone for strength and looks. This is the video for this portion of the top. I will add the surrounding gemstones in the next section.