Tagged blue sapphire

A Design a Day – Day 87

Yesterday I posted a sketch, CAD rendering, and a detailed pencil drawing for the jeweled box I designed for my parents.  Here is the finished painted version of the closed jeweled box:

Watercolor and Gouache Jeweled Box Rendering by Joana Miranda

I chose to render this jeweled box showing yellow flowers with blue ribbons in enamel on a white enameled background, along with yellow gold trim, small melee diamonds, a blue cabochon sapphire, and a carved amethyst bead on the top of the box.  These rich colors are common in the tile work found in Portugal, as well as in the lovely porcelain Vista Alegra ceramics.  Tomorrow I’ll post a picture of the box open to reveal the surprise inside!

A Design a Day – Day 76

Watercolor and Gouache Designer-Cut Blue Sapphire, Gold, and Seed Pearl Earring Rendering by Joana Miranda

Tonight’s rendering was inspired again by one of John Dyer’s designer-cut gemstones – in this case, a 2.26 ct fan-shaped Kenyan sapphire.  To complement the richness of the blue sapphire, I chose to use yellow gold together with the warmth of a slightly peach-colored seed pearl tassel.

In rendering the gemstone, I was reminded again of the need to toss away rules and render what is in my imagination.  I feel like my best renderings tell a story that transcends jewelry.  Maybe fitting is this quote by Betty Smith, an American writer who lived between 1896 and 1972:

“Look at everything as though you were seeing it for either the first or last time…then your time on earth will be filled with glory.”