Treble Clef Ring

Metalworks goldsmithing is firmly rooted in using traditional construction methods for custom design. But, occasionally we have a request that is suitable for us to employ new technologies. This treble clef ring is an example of where we used a CAD to create a file for printing the 3D wax model.

Steve chose to use this method to produce the wax model because the intricate and graceful motif of the treble clef lent itself well to the fine detail this new technology can achieve. Instead of investing hours into piercing out the ring design with his saw, Steve employed a pencil and drew the ring motif to scale. The hand rendering became the foundation for the CAD to  develop the printable file.

The printable file was used to make the wax model of the ring. Then the wax ring was sent to a casting house to be cast in gold. Once Steve received the rough gold ring, he refined and shaped it with different grits of sandpaper. Once this phase was completed, the stones were set (as you can see in the video), and the finishing polish done.

This commission was the first time we used a CAD. Generating a wax model with a CAD file enabled us to maintain the Metalworks’ quality while making a complicated and sophisticated design more economical for the client.  The process inspired lots of other possibilities for designing with a CAD in the future.