The history of jewellery can be traced back to the ancient Egyptian era in 3000 B.C. As human civilisation progressed, gemstone carving gradually took on important roles such as decoration, religious ritualism, and political uses. People found beautiful treasures hidden in dark and dirty raw stones, so gorgeous and exquisite without being worked or polished. The polished and carved jewellery not only demonstrates human craftsmanship, but also perfectly shows the delicacy and beauty of jewellery.
Learn about some of the basic gemstone classifications
If you want to carve gemstones like a professional gemstone carver, you must firstly know the varieties and characteristics of gemstones, so that you can better divide and carve it without destroying the gemstones. In a nutshell, based on the composition, nature, origin and rarity of gemstones in the market, we can classify them into three categories based on their natural state; natural gemstones, synthetic gemstones and imitation gemstones.
1. Natural Gemstones
Natural gemstones are created deep in the earth’s crust under conditions of high temperature and pressure, and are generally formed during geological processes. Natural gemstones are hard and glassy, and have a clean and pure glamour that is very attractive. Moreover, natural gemstones can be finely cut and engraved using electric engraving machines and diamond tools.
2. Synthetic Gemstones
Synthetic gemstones are manufactured in laboratories by synthetic methods. Although their physical and chemical properties are the same or very similar to those of natural gemstones, synthetic gemstones have a lower market value and can be mass-produced, resulting in lower prices. Synthetic stones can also be engraved using a carving machine.
3. Imitation Gemstones
Imitation gemstones are made from cheap materials that mimic the delicate appearance of natural and synthetic gemstones, but the chemical composition and structure are still not the same as that of natural gemstones, etc. Cheap materials are destined to be less textured than naturally occurring ones and are destined to be less expensive.
Classification of jewellery engraving
Jewellery engraving is a time-honoured technique of engraving on various jewellery materials by hand or with mechanical tools. By carving different patterns on a variety of jewellery made of different materials, it can give the jewellery a unique technique and value. Of course, if you are still a beginner in jewellery engraving, you should first familiarize yourself with the classification of jewellery engraving and stick to the long-term connection, and one day you will have the same craftsmanship as a master jewellery engraver.
Relief:Carving the pattern from the surface of the material, which forms a three-dimensional effect when viewed with the naked eye, increasing the beauty of the gemstone.
Skeletonisation:By removing the jewellery material and performing a fine engraving process, voids are cut into the surface or interior of the gemstone, ultimately creating a beautiful skeleton or skeleton pattern.
Fine Line Engraving:Carving outlines and textures on the surface of the jewellery with a sense of design, usually used for metal rings or bracelets.
To be like a professional jewellery engraving master, you need to be familiar with the materials of jewellery and some basic categories of engraving, and building a house to build a good foundation is the same reason.
Choosing the right engraving tools–
Professional jewellery carving needs high quality engraving tool in order to become a work of art, just rely on hand carving may be very high for the novice difficulty, our side is to recommend that the novice choice of high quality engraving tools, can effectively improve the quality of your engraving.
1. Electric engraving machine
Electric engraving machine is driven by electricity, with adjustable cutter head, but also according to the characteristics of different materials to adjust the speed, can improve the efficiency of engraving. Especially in the carving of complex patterns, electric engraving machine is definitely a good helper, to help you achieve more accurate and complex engraving patterns.
2.Engraving knife
Carving knife is a traditional handmade tool with a long history, inherited to the present day has been a necessary tool for hand carving. Carving knives come in all shapes and sizes and are very sharp and are used to cut and carve different patterns and textures, but need to be well balanced during the carving process. A novice carver will need some practice to use a carving knife to carve patterns and textures before he or she can achieve proficiency in carving with tiny variations in angle and strength.
3. Stereoscopic Microscope
For professional jewellery engravers, a stereo microscope is a must-have. The engraver can magnify several times through the stereo microscope to observe the details of the engraving on the jewellery, to ensure that each knife engraving is not a mistake. Stereo microscope can help you like a professional jewellery engraving master, no matter it is a very small jewellery or larger jewellery, you can clearly observe the nuances of each knife engraving, so that your jewellery works become more exquisite and moving.
The design of the carving
A true master jewellery engraver makes a detailed design before he starts engraving, taking into account the characteristics of the jewellery material, its size, dimensional proportions and the workability of the engraving. The design is not only to create a beautiful pattern, but also to take into account the overall shape of the jewellery to make the shape more harmonious.
1.Pattern design
You can first design a suitable pattern by computer and observe whether it is suitable or not, which can help you have a better grasp of the overall details and structure.
2.Detail planning
Engraving patterns on different items, the patterns need to be scaled in equal proportions according to the items, especially for engraving on rings and earrings, you need to plan the details and size of the patterns to prevent can’t damage the jewellery.
Conclusion
If you want to be like a professional jewellery carving master, you not only need to be familiar with the knowledge of jewellery and the use of tools, but also the excellence of craftsmanship and the relentless pursuit of art. The pursuit of carving on the road requires patience and care, only through continuous practice and improvement, carving out their own artistic colours.