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CAD: Digital Design to Finished Ring
This live, virtual course covers a combination of methods that will be used to create a gypsy-set ring from start to finish. Processes will including CAD modeling in Rhino, outsourced printing and casting, and finally gypsy setting a round cabochon stone by hand. Students will first learn how to model the mounting in Rhino. The instructor will then cover how to send the digitally rendered ring to a printer/caster for outsourced printing and casting into metal. Three weeks later, once students have their castings in hand, they will learn how to properly clean the casting, pre-finish before setting, set their stone into the mounting, and then put the finishing touches on the final product. Students should already have an introductory understanding of Rhino software and basic jewelry skills.
Only Rhino for Windows based computers will be covered (Mac computers not supported).
This course will consist of two three-hour sessions, spaced three weeks apart to leave ample time for file review, printing, casting, and shipping of the cast part.
Class will be held live via Zoom during the designated time frame. A link to the Zoom room will be sent via email.
Each session will be recorded and you will receive a password protected link to the recordings that expires after 30 days.
Please read the Materials & Tools tab!
Meet the instructor
Steven Parker is a jeweler, having been trained in the techniques and disciplines of classic fine jewelry. His study of watch and clockmaking led him to a quite enjoyable detour into the world of toy design and manufacture where he invented, prototyped, and manufactured various types of electro-mechanical toys and collectibles over the course of a decade before returning to the jewelry industry. Steven currently works with industry and private clients designing, modeling, and manufacturing jewelry in a wide range of styles and materials. Believing strongly in giving back, Steven also teaches as adjunct in the Jewelry Design Department at FIT in New York City.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name (in red) to be redirected to a page where you can find the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is strongly encouraged but not required - observers are welcome.
Students must download Rhino CAD Windows software to their computers prior to class. A free 90 day trial of the full PC version of this software is available on the Rhino website:
- 1 x Windows PC with at least 2 GB of space
- 1 x 3-button mouse
- 1 x Rhino 6 or 7 software - Windows version (Rhino)
Setting tools and supplies (if you do not have the following, you can call Tevel at All Craft):
- 1 x rotary tool - flex shaft or micro-motor
- 1 x half round file - cut 2 (part # 31.114)
- 1 x 14cm half round needle file - cut 4 (part # 31.522)
- 1 x 14cm equaling file - cut 4 (part # 31.503)
- 3 x Emery polishing sticks (part # 041-11)
- 1 x abrasive paper - 220, 320, 600 grits (part # wet&dry set)
- 2 x #9 mandrel for pumice wheels (part # 060-0209)
- 1 x set of 4 pumice wheels (part # 043-14)
- 2 x #2 mandrel for buffs (part # 060-0202)
- 1 x split mandrel for flex shaft (part # 11.308)
- 1 x Panther Burs wheel #2 025 (part # 77.1725)
- 1 x polishing buff set (part # 039-2101)
- 1 x Tripoli polishing compound (part # 040-01)
- 1 x Red Rouge polishing compound (part # 040-0902)
- 1 x 6" drill rod - 3mm (part # 054-0301)
- 1 x pin vise - 3mm cap (part # 014-0403)
- 1 x 1" premium economy hammer (part # 077-0806-3)
- 1 x revolving mini clamp-on-vise (part # 029-1503) - other vices or pitch bowl can also be used
- 1 x magnification if needed - Maxi View magnifiers, optivisors, loupe, etc.
- 1 x 9mm round cabochon stone with flat bottom (Dikra Gems)
- 1 x particulate dust mask
- 1 x eye protection
Students are welcome to use their choice of printing and casting service, but please note that Carrera Casting in New York City has generously offered to print files from this class with no printing or casting charge - students will only have to cover metal and shipping cost. The silver ring in class image is estimated to cost $15 to $20 for metal and $15 to $20 to ship (unless you are local to NYC and are able to pick up the casting from Carrera’s offices, in which case there would be no shipping charge.)