Drawing is one of my favorite jewelry design elements, which is quite fortunate as it is also a very vital part of the process, especially when doing customer-specific designs. Depending on the situation, I use different styles / techniques; such as to-scale illustrative sketches during customer design consultations to convey different design ideas, technical drawings to give the goldsmiths specific instructions on what to make, and also full-color display drawings.
In a technology-filled world, with CAD images and computer screens at every turn, there is certainly something about the art of hand drawing that still catches the imagination and heart of those in search of tailor-made jewelry – as well as those who really enjoy the design process.
The thing to remember about pearl drop jewelry is that it can be seen from all angles (especially when unused), a tiny sculpture that moves with the body; and this must be taken into account when designing each piece. When drawn from the front, you can draw out an idea which is pretty much like a 2Dimensional concept, but then when you come to make the piece, the side and back views are just as important to the overall look.
I typically draw first from the front (top), then the side views, back view and last of all a perspective view (which is generally the most beneficial depiction for customers to fully understand the concept in its entirety, while the other views help to comprehend the finer details and measurements).
Whatever view, magnitude and proportion you draw are key! You need to accurately measure every detail to ensure the design can be constructed, as well as being practical and beautiful. There's no point, for example, in designing a ring where the focus of the design is a very precise ring shank, if you have a tiny finger size and a large central stone – because it's just not going to be seen; likewise, a tiny stone on a slim simple band would probably look a bit lost on a very big finger.
I use drawing not only to display the entire piece, but also to illustrate and explain to customers various elements of the design; to draw "zoomed-in" settings to explain how it will be designed, or how it would fit with the band, etc. To me, drawing is, in fact, another means of communication, a way of describing things in a way that is easier to understand than using technical jargon; providing reassurance to my customers when they go ahead with a commissioned piece of bespoke jewellery. My clients know how the jewelry will look before it is made, and they usually find it exciting when we share our knowledge of how it will be created to bring their ideas to life.
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