I say Bobby Dazzler because there isn't a shadow of doubt that the final ring is just that!
However the original brief was not to create a bobby dazzler, this is a bonus....It was in fact to combine seven stones from two family rings into one unique but practical ring. Four round brilliant cut diamonds and three old cut diamonds.
On meeting the customer I was immediately inspired by her own individual sense of style. It was fab and I could see why she was investigating re-modelling these very traditional but MUCH loved rings. I was excited by the opportunity given to me and immediately my design brain kicked into action. No matter how many re-modelling commissions I have done, I'm always very grateful when a customer choses me to design and make something bespoke for them. Its a great honour.
Initially I was completely driven by the 'unique' part of the brief. Here was someone who's own personal style was already so fresh and fun. I knew my customer could carry off something very different and so I really went for it in terms of pushing boundaries with my designs.
These were unquestionably fun and unique design ideas, liked by my customer but 'practical' for everyday wear.....maybe not! So I went back to the drawing board and came up with another much more wearable concept which was then chosen.
Within goldsmithing there are various different methods to go from design to finished piece. This particular design lent itself perfectly to 'Computer Aided Design' or 'CAD' and casting the finished article. One of the clear advantages of the CAD process is a wax or rubber mould of your design can be produced for the customer to try on prior to the final commitment to casting in their desired metal/s.
The pictures below illustrate the journey from the two original rings, to the rubber mould and then the platinum casting prior to being cleaned up and set.
See my next post for the final piece.