http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php Shapeways: Bring your creativity to life in 3D http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59504&th=12225#msg_59504
I just wanna share some pictures of a ring im making. Its still a work in progress, Lost more detail to come.

Its a blue 6ct cushion sapphire. Square cut with rounded corners. In my opinion, its one of the best types of cuts out there.

My mothers favorite color is blue and favorite number is 3, so im making her a ring with a large blue sapphire on top and 3 smaller round diamond cut sapphires on each side.



]]> SGDesigns 2013-01-02T19:20:07-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59505&th=12225#msg_59505



]]> SGDesigns 2013-01-02T19:35:15-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59510&th=12225#msg_59510
Keith]]> Fredd 2013-01-02T19:49:44-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59528&th=12225#msg_59528
I hope this helps.

Ray]]> Ray716 2013-01-03T03:11:10-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59536&th=12225#msg_59536 SGDesigns 2013-01-03T07:39:27-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59539&th=12225#msg_59539
http://www.asia-gems.com/gemology/basics.php


Now all that being said, you have a cushion cut that only has one sharp edge that could be broken, the culet or very bottom. So make sure you have 2-4mm clearance between that and the ring or if left open the hand. Next since you have rounded ends all you need to really have is a snug and secure way to grasp the stone. the prong should be "vertical" where the girdle is, and have a comfortable "seat" where the Pavilion will rest on the prongs. Then the top of the prong just needs to be bent over the top of the stone to give a snug fit. Thankfully Sterling Silver is considered softer than say 14k gold. BUT the thicker you make things the more difficult bending the top of the prong down will be. Here is a second link that shows some of the anatomy of gemstone settings.

http://www.brilliance.com/setting-types-guide

I hope this helps!

Ray]]> Ray716 2013-01-03T09:30:31-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59577&th=12225#msg_59577 "a snug and secure way to grasp the stone. the prong should be "vertical" where the girdle is, and have a comfortable "seat" where the Pavilion will rest on the prongs. Then the top of the prong just needs to be bent over the top of the stone to give a snug fit."
I thinks thats the best way to do it and still keep the detail without having anything cut.

Like most of my designs, I love detail. The first image was just the basic shape of the ring, but I intend to add detail and make it look organic. Here is the progress of the ring so far. I plan on making some the fleshy looking rings on the band to look like they are reaching out towards the side sapphires and use those as the prongs. I haven't added those yet. I plan on fusing the leaf detail and fleshy detail to make it look like its part of each other.





]]> SGDesigns 2013-01-03T21:11:49-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59627&th=12225#msg_59627
http://www.blendernation.com/2013/01/04/tutorial-designing-j ewelry-for-3d-printing-with-blender/

Keep us posted! I'd love to see the finished product

Natalia]]> natalia 2013-01-04T20:49:07-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59650&th=12225#msg_59650
Ray716, I see what you mean about the corners. I guess my cushion sapphire is really a cushion modified sapphire. Kinda looks like an ascher cut on the bottom.

Below is todays progress on the detail, I dunno, I might change it though. Too much of the same or maybe ive been staring at it way too long. The sapphire is now sitting on the prongs. Each prong has a belly with a v-groove going down the center so the gem can wedge itself in the grooves.




]]> SGDesigns 2013-01-05T03:22:23-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59657&th=12225#msg_59657

Ohh and Natalia, thanks for that link!!! I will add it to my list

Ray]]> Ray716 2013-01-05T09:13:24-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59820&th=12225#msg_59820
Im almost done. All I need now is add my logo and finish the 4 prongs, Those are still unfinished.




]]> SGDesigns 2013-01-08T07:54:36-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59839&th=12225#msg_59839
Now I do see one drainage hole to lessen the weight, but are you planning similar holes for the rest of the stones? Or is that hole because the model is hallow?

Ray]]> Ray716 2013-01-08T17:11:45-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59860&th=12225#msg_59860



]]> SGDesigns 2013-01-08T21:59:00-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59862&th=12225#msg_59862

Ray]]> Ray716 2013-01-08T22:01:58-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59904&th=12225#msg_59904
What software do you design in?]]> roofoo 2013-01-09T14:21:36-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59916&th=12225#msg_59916

roofoo - Yeah, Ive been getting compared to H.R. Giger a lot. I never heard of him until recently but the guy is good. Real good. My design style comes from a tattoo style called Bio-Organic also called Biomechanical and of course the best tattoo artist in my opinion Guy Aitchison. This guy is amazing. Im still learning tho, but I learn something new with each design. By the way, I use Zbrush 4r4 and Rhino 3D.




]]> SGDesigns 2013-01-09T17:11:03-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59922&th=12225#msg_59922 roofoo 2013-01-09T18:10:20-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59945&th=12225#msg_59945 Q: Will they be able to pour silver during casting with all this detail talking up space or should I leave some blank space on the bottom? I didnt do a whole lot on the bottom just in case I need to change it.

Good question! The silver printing is a two part process, first we 3D print in wax, then cast into silver using the traditional lost wax casting method.
Great wiki here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost-wax_casting

Since this involves "spruing" the models, which is essentially attaching a branch of wax that becomes the funnel for molten silver to pour through, it IS a good idea to have one spot (usually the bottom) that is free from detail so the sprue can be attached there (and then removed, without removing your detail).

It *is* possible to attach a sprue to the inside of a ring, but this is more complex, and more often results in a bad cast.

It's great that you are thinking ahead to the process when you are designing, so yes, do leave a small area of no detail on the bottom of the ring.

Another benefit of doing this is since this part is inside your hand, it will be more comfortable to wear.]]> natalia 2013-01-09T23:45:59-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59955&th=12225#msg_59955
Im really looking forward to this ring. I already have 2 more gems for the next rings. These are HUGE, an 18ct amethyst and a 28ct amethyst both natural earth mined, slightly different coloring and both are round diamond cut. Im thinking cocktail rings.

]]> SGDesigns 2013-01-10T01:56:32-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59998&th=12225#msg_59998

Heres a sneak peek on what imma design my next ring around.. This 18ct beauty... Its about the same size around as a dime.





]]> SGDesigns 2013-01-10T23:27:57-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60169&th=12225#msg_60169



Oh I'm sorry, I'll clean that right up. That's flippin' gorgeous! I wish I was your mother! ]]> miaka618 2013-01-14T04:11:06-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60212&th=12225#msg_60212
I have several more ideas I want to design with stones:
8ct black diamond
18ct Purple Amethyst
28ct Purple Amethyst

Not sure which one to go with next.




]]> SGDesigns 2013-01-14T20:06:34-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60213&th=12225#msg_60213 roofoo 2013-01-14T20:15:35-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60268&th=12225#msg_60268

]]> SGDesigns 2013-01-15T20:10:01-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60428&th=12225#msg_60428 TurtlesAreCool 2013-01-19T19:22:43-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60768&th=12225#msg_60768 SGDesigns 2013-01-25T14:11:31-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=60811&th=12225#msg_60811 ]]> Ray716 2013-01-25T23:37:54-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=61192&th=12225#msg_61192



]]> SGDesigns 2013-02-01T19:38:40-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=61752&th=12225#msg_61752 SGDesigns 2013-02-10T21:26:54-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=61755&th=12225#msg_61755

Here are a few videos that may help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ9rURLaFMg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE78pKFgdHQ

http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/video/25/The-Stone-Setters -portrait


I hope those help!

Ray]]> Ray716 2013-02-10T21:48:33-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=62114&th=12225#msg_62114 natalia 2013-02-15T15:00:18-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=62164&th=12225#msg_62164


]]> SGDesigns 2013-02-16T03:36:01-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=62572&th=12225#msg_62572

Here are some renders with the final changes. Been meaning to post these a while back. Just want to thank everyone for your honest opinions and help.

Made some changes on the 4 prongs for the main stone. Don't want it getting snagged on anything...

]]> SGDesigns 2013-02-22T05:28:52-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=62573&th=12225#msg_62573
[EDIT] Sal! How I ever got to thinking you were Glenn I have no idea! I'm getting old I guess. ]]> UniverseBecoming 2013-02-22T06:33:23-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=63612&th=12225#msg_63612
]]> numarul7 2013-03-08T22:54:48-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=63646&th=12225#msg_63646


]]> SGDesigns 2013-03-09T05:54:21-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64042&th=12225#msg_64042
Please excuse my cheap camera. These pictures don't do it any justice.

]]> SGDesigns 2013-03-13T23:48:02-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64043&th=12225#msg_64043




]]> SGDesigns 2013-03-13T23:50:59-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64046&th=12225#msg_64046 Ray716 2013-03-14T00:31:01-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64047&th=12225#msg_64047
I remember when Shapeways first came out with silver and I was wanting do some designs, but the resolution was way too low. Then years later, I happen to notice the resolution had improved drastically. So that's what brought me to Shapeways and the forum. I just sent my iron cross ring out to be manufactured by a jewelry manufacturer after developing it with Shapeways.

Lets see how good you are at cutting those slots! I wouldn't trust myself with a hand operated rotary cutting tool, cuz I think I'd have an failure. If it were my task I'd make a gallium jig to hold the ring and I'd affix the jig to my CNC milling machine and write a short program for cutting the slots perfectly. That's cuz I'm anal when it comes to thing like this. HAHA!

I see you designed in guide marks, which will help quite a bit; are the any triangular files available that will fit in there? If so, that would provide a great amount of control.]]> UniverseBecoming 2013-03-14T01:16:48-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64056&th=12225#msg_64056




]]> SGDesigns 2013-03-14T05:37:10-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64057&th=12225#msg_64057
Yeah, thats some real good advice.





]]> SGDesigns 2013-03-14T05:50:53-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64121&th=12225#msg_64121






]]> SGDesigns 2013-03-14T23:23:49-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64173&th=12225#msg_64173 numarul7 2013-03-15T15:48:10-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64204&th=12225#msg_64204
]]> SGDesigns 2013-03-15T18:54:20-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64417&th=12225#msg_64417



]]> SGDesigns 2013-03-19T11:38:08-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64537&th=12225#msg_64537 Oreosmooshy 2013-03-21T01:39:51-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64884&th=12225#msg_64884 Nailed it..! he he he... yeah, imma take some pictures right now and go have me a beer or maybe two, possibly more to celebrate... Ill be posting pictures real soon. Soo excited.

]]> SGDesigns 2013-03-26T07:03:55-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64895&th=12225#msg_64895




]]> SGDesigns 2013-03-26T13:00:06-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64909&th=12225#msg_64909

Makes me want to try it! *looks for gems on eBay* ]]> UniverseBecoming 2013-03-26T14:52:36-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64912&th=12225#msg_64912 While there are a few areas where I would push the prongs down more securely onto the stone, as long as they dont move you should be fine.

Congratulations on Excellent work!

Ray]]> Ray716 2013-03-26T14:58:04-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64913&th=12225#msg_64913 ]]> Oreosmooshy 2013-03-26T14:58:29-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64914&th=12225#msg_64914 AmLachDesigns 2013-03-26T15:03:45-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=64931&th=12225#msg_64931
UniverseBecoming - If your gonna get 'em off of eBay, make sure they are untreated/unheated or else you might get one that fades in color.

AmLachDesigns - Thanks, yeah usually I dont take good pictures but im happy with these. Although im just noticing that everything reflects off off the gem and I still need to clean off some gunk off of the main stone. Something to consider next time I take pictures. LOL...


]]> SGDesigns 2013-03-26T19:04:30-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=65068&th=12225#msg_65068
]]> HenryAlfredo 2013-03-28T14:28:57-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=65243&th=12225#msg_65243 SG Designs wrote on Tue, 26 March 2013 19:04
UniverseBecoming - If your gonna get 'em off of eBay, make sure they are untreated/unheated or else you might get one that fades in color.


Thanks for the tip! I didn't know about that!

Lately though, I've been thinking of abandoning silver with Shapeways until they offer a finished product at a price that still lets the shop owner make a profit. I would do the finishing myself, but they take WAYYYYY too long to complete orders in silver. I think I'm going to concentrate more on the materials that come from Shapeways as finished products.
]]> UniverseBecoming 2013-03-31T18:57:46-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=66367&th=12225#msg_66367
]]> lensman 2013-04-18T17:36:46-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=66389&th=12225#msg_66389
lensman - Thinking of adding this as the intro to my website www.sgcustomsilver.com What you think, too much? Check out the video below just make sure to click on the HD button for better quality.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200186608242520


]]> SGDesigns 2013-04-18T23:57:42-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=66390&th=12225#msg_66390 lensman 2013-04-19T00:22:52-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=66391&th=12225#msg_66391 ]]> lensman 2013-04-19T00:24:21-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=66403&th=12225#msg_66403

Yeah, the website ill be similar to the page I have up now. A lot more tamed then the intro. Im gonna keep the site the way it is though.

]]> SGDesigns 2013-04-19T03:54:08-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=66423&th=12225#msg_66423 (Not quite my style, but there is no denying that you are a very skulled artist )]]> mkroeker 2013-04-19T13:20:08-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=66849&th=12225#msg_66849




]]> SGDesigns 2013-04-25T11:42:34-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=66850&th=12225#msg_66850
]]> lensman 2013-04-25T13:01:12-00:00 http://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=66859&th=12225#msg_66859 http://www.ebay.com/soc/itm/321088101488

Rio Grande should have some too.





]]> SGDesigns 2013-04-25T14:29:30-00:00