Computer-aided design is widely used in jewellery design to a point where software that dedicated to jewellery design is beyond number, like JewelCAD, RhinoGold, Matrix, etc. The advanced technology not only allows users to create a two-dimensional design, three-dimensional structures and image that simulates a realistic jewellery piece but also capable of displaying the design in assistance with virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality to present concepts to the audience. Numerous famed international brands such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Dior, Graff, on one hand, stick with sketching, the most traditional jewellery design method.
Tina Kao, a postgraduate of Applied Economics graduate at the National University of Singapore, initially hand-draws jewellery to escape from pressure and finds herself takes delight in telling inspiring stories with gemstones. 20 pieces of hand-drawn jewellery design may sound smattering, yet she still dares to pursue her dreams. She gave it a try and participated in the Hong Kong Fei Cui Design Biennial Contest organized by the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association (HKJJA). Her drawing The Journey took home the champion of the open group in drawings. The theme is inspired by Life Lessons from Baby Sea Turtles. The piece voices out her message: Always remember where you came from and never forget your passion.
Her design skill builds on as times goes on. It is no wonder that she has plenty of thoughts when it comes to hand-drawn jewellery. She shared that line thickness alters the texture effortlessly. One must first understand the play of light and shadow of the gemstone. Next, divide the gemstone into multiple facets with outlines. Then, mix and match tints with tints as well as water to achieve transparency and hues as close as the real gemstone. Fei cui, the main stone of Journey has far less facet of refraction than other gemstones, yet drawing two identical fei cui is no easy task. Free your mind, observe with meticulousness. Every detail plays a vital role in the piece, that is the reason why the sense of achievement to complete a piece of drawing is beyond description.
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