FCD Setting Help Please!

[kimpnoth]

Another idea: Use your inspiration pieces to construct an organic heart as a wire cage within which are the suspended/attached/floating FCDs? The jeweler could make the cage flat on the back to sit flat on the skin but curve the wire on front and sides to get it closer to the real organ shape you're trying for?

The second gold heart in the above post -- the gold one, has elements I could really see with your first inspiration picture -- the more delicate drawing.

I think I'd throw out the big, plump, vividly colored second inspiration piece. That doesn't say necklace to me. The first drawing you posted, I think has some real possibilities. As I said above, incorporating the wire elements of the heart with all the wires might also have possibilities.

Maybe give the jeweler more freedom to interpret the first drawing -- throwing out detail for a more pleasing whole.

 

[ElleK]

So does the heart organ carry specific meaning for her and you?

I think that some difficulty lies in bringing your inspiration, which looks to be an geometric 3D model of a heart, and reducing it to a series of lines or a solid piece of metal, otherwise it could end up looking like a lump of metal with diamonds stuck in it.

 

[lilmosun]

I was going to ask the same - if there was some personal meaning behind having the heart shaped like the actual organ.
Not my taste - but if there is some significance, I get it.

I kind of saw this and thought the middle should be made into a profile of two people kissing. Perhaps do that but with a more abstract hollow center holding the stones. But I will be the first to admit that I don't have an eye for design.

Two separate parts of the abstract heart held together by the bail, perhaps?

 

[chrono]

How about creating an organ heart pendant with the FCDs embedded "inside" it.
https://www.pricescope.com/blog/jewel-week-gold-and-sapphire-egg-pendant-special-niece

 

[blackprophet]

Re:

I'd urge you to go back and sit down with the designer again and go over what you want........custom jewelry is never a bullseye the first time through--and that's for pieces that are less complicated than yours. Your idea's are definitely outside the norm so struggling with it for the designer and those here.....is perfectly acceptable. You seem to know what you are going for.........give the designer another go with the info you've gathered so far. In fact, I'd urge you to start with the background design shape that you want...... I'm sure people here will continue to contribute. I think it's a great idea........it may take a little while to work it out.......but Rome wasn't built in a day. LOL!!!

Thanks for this, I needed to hear it. This is the direction my thinking was going as well. Once I get the last diamond I think I will do just this using some of the ideas in this thread.

I think I am trying to stay away from influencing the background shape too much, because I don't want to stifle the creativity. Those pics were just inspiration pics to stimulate creativity, not templates upon which to base the design. As long as a heart shape is invoked in some way, I'm good. The sky is the limit otherwise. Guess I should've been clearer about that from the jump. They were supposed to just to start the discussion.

I love some of the ideas in this thread because they are along the same lines of the inspiration but different interpretations. That's what I was hoping would happen originally, but at least I can go back with multiple ideas and pictures of possibilities so as not to get locked into one direction.

Reading back over the thread a few times have given me a few more ideas/directions this could go. I think we may be on to some things. I will think about them over the next few days and come back with the ones I like best to see what you guys think.

In the mean time though lets try phrasing this a different way: Any ideas for a pendant that incorporate the following words: Flowy/curvy, Angular, heart shaped (<3 or organ)

Thanks again for all of your ideas/contributions!

 

[kimpnoth]

I found an example of how a leaf can look like a heart-shape. This also shows how textured metal can add interest to a piece -- and an interesting placement of stones.

I also think that an odd number of stones is more pleasing visually, although I have seen 4-stone designs that are quite creative and appealing. So, to throw another idea into the mix -- what about placing one of the smallest stones in a slightly hidden location? Maybe on the side of the bale where it meets the pendant?

Happy designing

Kim

 

[digdeep]

OK.......I found what I was thinking! The black outline is a solid gold of whatever color you want. The gray lines are smaller tubes of gold that cross the open area above the modified heart design---arteries anyone? The bail is attached to those tubes and has the smallest diamond set in front at the connection.

The 'heart' has the other three stones with the oval at a tilt, and the square set on end........the emerald cut could go either way but I went vertical with the idea of lengthening the 'heart'--obviously they can be moved in any direction that is aesthetic for you. All of it (to me) is abstract enough and has a good combo of curves and lines. At least it's another idea to think about..............It isn't as great as a CAD, damn mouse and paint program--but I hope the idea came across!

 

[blackprophet]

Ok All,

I'm back with a few more ideas. Let me know what you think. (Excuse the crude drawings!)

Idea one
A Hexagon (or Octagon) with the infinty symbol embedded. FCD set in the center.


Idea 2
A combination of two pictures you guys suggested, but with a curvy shape outline (similar to the abstract heart picture) and the wires in a very angular, geometric pattern. The FCDs would be "embedded" in the design.



Idea 3
Two infinity symbols embedded in a traditional heart shape. FCDs set on the infinity symbols. Not sure how to bring angularness into this one, but its a thought.


Idea 4
Strip it down to two infinity symbols, one curvy, one angular. FCDs set througout. Heart is waaaaaaay more abstract.


Comments? Thoughts?

 

[kroshka]

This is very rough sketch and obviously not to scale for your stones but maybe another idea to consider? Sorry it's messy.

Kroshka

 

[blackprophet]

This is very rough sketch and obviously not to scale for your stones but maybe another idea to consider? Sorry it's messy.

Kroshka

No I like that! I'll add it to the list.

 

[kimpnoth]

I really like the wire heart in Idea #2. It's classic, yet modern. The infinity symbol might be incorporated into the wire heart design.I also think three stones should be grouped together, with the fourth set off from the group.

1. Have you asked the jeweler to come up with some designs yet? Given him/her some artistic freedom? Seen some of his/her designs that might serve as base?
2. Is there significance to the 4 stones, and a reason they all need to be positioned together?

Best

Kim

 

[blackprophet]

I really like the wire heart in Idea #2. It's classic, yet modern. The infinity symbol might be incorporated into the wire heart design.I also think three stones should be grouped together, with the fourth set off from the group.

1. Have you asked the jeweler to come up with some designs yet? Given him/her some artistic freedom? Seen some of his/her designs that might serve as base?
2. Is there significance to the 4 stones, and a reason they all need to be positioned together?

Best

Kim

1) I have not gone back to the jeweller yet, as I needed some ideas to get my thought process across better.
2) There is significance to each of the stones, but they dont have to be positioned all together. That is just what made sense in these rough sketches.

 

[pregcurious]

Annette Tillander seems to be very gifted with setting small stones of various colors together. She has done 2 pieces for Mariedtiger:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/love-creativity-and-strength-an-fcd-ring-for-a-40-year-pre.210332/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/love-creativity-and-strength-an-fcd-ring-for-a-40-year-pre.210332/[/URL]

 

[blackprophet]

Annette Tillander seems to be very gifted with setting small stones of various colors together. She has done 2 pieces for Mariedtiger:

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/love-creativity-and-strength-an-fcd-ring-for-a-40-year-pre.210332/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/love-creativity-and-strength-an-fcd-ring-for-a-40-year-pre.210332/[/URL]

Unfortunately this is in Finland. With my current timeline I think I have to stick with my current jeweller. Annette's work is impressive though.

 

[pregcurious]

What about a simple shape like mariedtiger's ring. Maybe a circle that can also symbolize an unending marriage? I think keeping the shape simple will help because you already have a lot going on with the different stones.

 

[kimpnoth]

What about a simple shape like mariedtiger's ring. Maybe a circle that can also symbolize an unending marriage? I think keeping the shape simple will help because you already have a lot going on with the different stones.

I completely agree with Pregcurious. I have made so many design mistakes. Most of them stem from over designing and over thinking. You may be suffering from the same malady. That's why I leave it to the jeweler. I show him a few pictures of what I like. I give him a general idea of what I want and the style, and then I let him come up with a few designs. Then I pick one (or we go back to the drawing board) and we tweak from there. I've learned not to tweak too much. He has experience with this, and I do not. And I'm lousy at jewelry design.

Does your jeweler do design, or is s/he more of a craftperson? If not a designer, then I highly recommend finding a designer. Someone with experience can grab a shape, arrange the gems in an eye pleasing gestalt in no time. And then you tweak. Your jeweler can still do the work.

Correct me if I'm wrong: I'm reading your taste as simple, clean lines, unconventional, or more modern rendering of objects with a unique twist?

I like to describe my taste as classic, sophisticated, but with a little funk (or twist, or whatever). That usually means taking a very common rendering and tweaking it just enough to make it a little out of the ordinary. It works most of the time.

Good design is not so much creating totally new shapes/concepts, but combining or tweaking the ordinary into something pleasing.

Please go see the jeweler. It's OK to say something to the tune of "I'm not sure exactly what I want, I like these pieces. I want heart shape or infinity symbol shape, but I don't want it to look like the classic heart shape."

 

[kimpnoth]

PS: there is nothing wrong with a heart shaped pendent. Perhaps what is wanted is the suggestion of a heart shape rather than the typical rendering of the heart?

Here are a bunch of shape that might spark some interest. All are a little too conventional for me . . . .but have possibilities for a designer. First 3 are more conventional.

 

[kimpnoth]

Next 3 have more possibilities for me . . . and maybe for you. They may come a tad closer to what it appears you'd like to achieve? Keep in mind, all can be tweaked -- shape, lines within shapes, etc. Maybe one of these 3 could be the start of a conversation with the jeweler?

And I still think the wire heart in your idea #2 is a contender.

 

[enbcfsobe]

Ok All,

Idea 2
A combination of two pictures you guys suggested, but with a curvy shape outline (similar to the abstract heart picture) and the wires in a very angular, geometric pattern. The FCDs would be "embedded" in the design.

This with the FCDs embedded between the wires! Modern & interesting, with a clear impression of a heart shape without looking juvenile or kitchy.

 

[pregcurious]

Next 3 have more possibilities for me . . . and maybe for you. They may come a tad closer to what it appears you'd like to achieve? Keep in mind, all can be tweaked -- shape, lines within shapes, etc. Maybe one of these 3 could be the start of a conversation with the jeweler?

And I still think the wire heart in your idea #2 is a contender.

Kimpnoth, I love this!

 

[kimpnoth]

I, too, like that one. The design is call "Journey". Although, I think I would like a frame shape that was something other than a perfect circle. I'm not sure it would be as effective in a different shape . . . . . and that's where I'd need a designer.

 

[pregcurious]

I agree. The circle shape grounds the irregular angles of the lines and the wave of diamonds.

 

[kroshka]

I really like the last 2 that you posted kimpnoth!

Kroshka

 

[blackprophet]

What about a simple shape like mariedtiger's ring. Maybe a circle that can also symbolize an unending marriage? I think keeping the shape simple will help because you already have a lot going on with the different stones.

I completely agree with Pregcurious. I have made so many design mistakes. Most of them stem from over designing and over thinking. You may be suffering from the same malady. That's why I leave it to the jeweler. I show him a few pictures of what I like. I give him a general idea of what I want and the style, and then I let him come up with a few designs. Then I pick one (or we go back to the drawing board) and we tweak from there. I've learned not to tweak too much. He has experience with this, and I do not. And I'm lousy at jewelry design.

Does your jeweler do design, or is s/he more of a craftperson? If not a designer, then I highly recommend finding a designer. Someone with experience can grab a shape, arrange the gems in an eye pleasing gestalt in no time. And then you tweak. Your jeweler can still do the work.

Correct me if I'm wrong: I'm reading your taste as simple, clean lines, unconventional, or more modern rendering of objects with a unique twist?

I like to describe my taste as classic, sophisticated, but with a little funk (or twist, or whatever). That usually means taking a very common rendering and tweaking it just enough to make it a little out of the ordinary. It works most of the time.

Good design is not so much creating totally new shapes/concepts, but combining or tweaking the ordinary into something pleasing.

Please go see the jeweler. It's OK to say something to the tune of "I'm not sure exactly what I want, I like these pieces. I want heart shape or infinity symbol shape, but I don't want it to look like the classic heart shape."

I did this already and the OP is what she came up with. She is a designer. I'm just trying to generate ideas so we don't go through what happened before.

 

[blackprophet]

Next 3 have more possibilities for me . . . and maybe for you. They may come a tad closer to what it appears you'd like to achieve? Keep in mind, all can be tweaked -- shape, lines within shapes, etc. Maybe one of these 3 could be the start of a conversation with the jeweler?

And I still think the wire heart in your idea #2 is a contender.

Kimpnoth, I love this!

This one is similar to my #1, but also similar to # 2 in a way as well.
I'm liking this direction. And the Number 2 Direction
Maybe instead of a circle a shield shape or a hexagon or an octagon.

I have a appointment with the jeweller on Saturday. I think I have a few really good ideas (wire heart and circle with lines), and a few others I sort of like, plus the first inpiration pictures, to give a better direction to this whole project.

Thanks for all of the input, hope this puts me in a better position.

Any more ideas are certainly welcome.

 

[blackprophet]

And when I say shield shape. I mean something like this:





All reminiscent of a real heart shape, without being obvious.

 

[kimpnoth]

Shield, leaf -- kind of the same sort of shape -- yes, suggests heart. The circle with the zigzag lines -- I think the the circle is supposed to represent the earth, the lines the journey. So if lines are put into a shape suggestive of a heart . . . . journey of the heart and/or joined lives?

Um, maybe a verbal representation of the design is not needed here . . . . . sorry, got carried away.

I do think you are zeroing in on something that pleases you (and us, not that we matter).

Best

Kim

 

[chloeishere]

My favorite idea so far is the cage pendant (based off the egg shaped one), but I love that concept.

The actual heart (versus a heart shape) is most often called an anatomical heart in design terms, which might help with searching for concepts. It can be difficult to make attractive, and I like your concept. I've attached a basic design that I think works.

I believe from your introduction that the concept of two-into-one (geometric versus curved/ two sides) is part of what you want to exemplify in the design... but I think it's hard to "split" the two halves of the heart stylistically without going toward a broken motif.

In addition, scientifically speaking (but as additional points for the metaphorical design ), the the heart pumps in rhythm; though it is dyed in images to show venous versus oxygenated blood (the pulmonary versus the systemic circulation), in a real, functioning heart you won't see the two separate halves functioning independently-- the heart must function as a cohesive whole to continue. That could also be a lovely metaphor for marriage; I'm not sure if this perspective is helpful for your pendant design or not, but it's where my mind went as I read through this thread.

I look forward to seeing the next steps and final piece! I think you've got a great concept and wonderful motivation for this project.


Edited for clarity and grammatical errors.

 

[kimpnoth]

This is an interesting interpretation. I enjoyed seeing this. Thank you for posting it!

 

[blackprophet]

So apparently simpler is the way to go.
Met with the jeweller and discussed all of the ideas. The infinity + geometric shape is what rose to the top. She thought it best conveyed the overall goal of the piece. She's come up with a few different looks.

I know which ones I like best. But I'm interested in hearing your opinions. Feel free to share.