Gems on Curve

Gems on Curve

Gems On Curve is a versatile tool designed for distributing gemstones along a selected curve with precision and flexibility. This command is particularly useful for creating intricate designs where gems follow specific paths, such as on rings, bracelets, or other curved surfaces.

How It Works

Once activated, the command provides two areas: the Selection section and the Parameters section.

Selection

• Curve Selection: Begin by selecting the curve on which the gems will be distributed. This can be any open or closed curve within the design.
• Orientation Object (Optional): Optionally, select a geometry to orient the gems to. The gems will align with the surface, ensuring proper placement on complex designs.

The Parameters section is divided into three tabs: Gems, Prongs and Cutters.

Gems

The first tab controls the gemstone distribution along the curve:

• Shape: Choose the gemstone cut — the full Gem Studio catalog plus Tapered Baguette for graduated channel layouts.
• Material: Select the gemstone material, from Diamond (white or Champagne) to the colored varieties of Sapphire, Topaz, Tourmaline, Quartz and more.
• Gem Size: Adjust the size of the gemstones. For fancy cuts, a second field controls the size in the other direction.
• Gems Distance: Define the spacing between gemstones along the curve.
• Move in Z: Fine-tune the vertical position of the gemstones relative to the curve.
• Gem Rotation: Enable it to rotate every gem 90° in its plane — for example, to set baguettes across the curve instead of along it.
• Alignment Vertical: Align the gems to the curve by their Top (table) or by their Girdle.
• Starting Point: Distribute the gems from the Center of the curve outward (symmetrical placement) or from its Boundary (suitable for open curves).
• Gem Orientation: Place the gems in their Natural orientation or Upside Down (culet up, for reverse-set designs).
• Orientation Plane: Enable it to display the orientation plane of each gem in the viewport, to verify how every stone will sit before confirming.

Prongs

The second tab adds and customizes the prongs holding the gemstones:

• Show Prongs: Enable this selector to generate prongs around the gemstones.
• Prong Distribution: Choose between the two distribution modes:
  • Shared Prongs: Two prongs placed between consecutive gemstones, shared by both. Ideal for a streamlined look with minimal metal.
  • Individual Prongs: Four prongs per gemstone, for more secure support of larger or heavier stones. In this mode a gumball appears on one of the prongs of the first stone, letting you adjust its position directly in the viewport.
• Diameter: Set the thickness of the prongs.
• Distance: Control the separation between the two shared prongs.
• Height over girdle: How far the prongs rise above the girdle to hold the stone.
• Height under girdle: How far the prongs extend below the girdle.
• Extension manufacturing: Adds extra length to the prongs when the piece is switched to Manufacturing mode, giving the setter material to work with.
• End Prong Mode: Choose Double or Single prongs for the first and last gemstones of the run.

Cutters

The third tab generates a cutter for each gemstone — the volume used to open the seat and drill hole in the metal:

• Show Cutters: Enable this selector to generate a cutter under each gemstone.
• Cutter Shape: Choose the cutter profile: Gem Shape (follows the outline of the stone), Round, Square or Hexagon.
• Heights (as a percentage of the gem): Height Top, Height Crown, Height Girdle, Height Pavilion and Height Drill control each section of the cutter, from the volume above the stone down to the drill hole.
• Sizes (as a percentage of the gem): Size Top, Size Girdle, Size Bottom and Size Drill control the width of the cutter at each level.
• Gem Inside: How deep the gemstone sits inside the metal, in millimeters.

Once you confirm your changes, all the stones you have generated will be listed on the Outliner toolbar.