Thanks for your very interesting and informative replies so far
everybody - I am really learning a lot from all of this. Regarding
libraries, of course I would not want to import everything anybody had
and totally agree that the only way to build up my more personal
design library would be starting one myself. However I am not talking
about parts with a personal twist - I would be looking for a library
to start me off that has a brilliant cut stone, a marquise cut.
princess cut etc etc. A standard rex collet, a crown collet and a
double gallery collet in a few different stone shapes. A standard
split shank which I could then build on to, perhaps a few earring
findings like scrolls and plain round studs to build on to - things
like this which are hardly pieces of computer modelling that would
warrant design royalties. Just a small library with about 30 models
of very standard parts of the sort which are available from any good
findings manufacturer. However I am increasingly coming over to the
view that perhaps I should stick to pen and paper for a real personal
touch as suggested by a few people on this list. I am thinking that
this is certainly the case for my higher value commission pieces
although perhaps computer modelling would be a good way for me to
model more simple lower budget designer pieces. Still unsure…I
will report back when I have completed a little more research into the
products that orchid members have kindly been telling me about.
Best wishes
Harriet
Hitchin
UK
Dear Harriet:
The problem with creating a library as you suggest is that the stones
and the prongs are among the more difficult 3d designs in the jewelry
CAD to make. Once anyone masters this task making millions of dollars
worth of jewelry is a relative easier task. I do not want to say easy,
because few CAD tasks are easy and require a fair degree of skill. On
CAD, the ring itself is much easier task, once you have the basic
components in a jewelry library. Modifications of a basic design is
an easier task. You can design the object while the customer is in
you shop or at your show if you are simply modifing old drawings. I
disagree with several people on the subject of coloring high end
pieces. One can obtain a better illistration on CAD, then one can do
by painting or drawing. The graphics on the introduction to Monday
night football on ABC were rendered in 3d Studio Max. The basic CAD
package is a program designed primarily for engineers. They, for the
most part, are not that excited about color. One needs a rendering
program as well. There are several models available on the market and
at a variety of prices. I do not favor one brand over another,
because there are some excellent products put out by many companies
and as others have pointed out, the products in this field are greatly
improving. Again, these are tools that will take time to master, but
can be mastered by the average person. The field of 3d graphics are
growing all the time. Once you master the software you can find job
openings in many different fields, especially if you are not loved by your
fellow jeweler. Mike