Wax Carving: The Foundation of Exceptional Design
The journey of Neha Dani's exquisite jewellery began with the meticulous art of wax carving. Before any stones were set or precious metals used, the designer envisioned the pieces in their finest details. Wax carving allowed her to translate her vision into tangible form. Each curve, contour, and intricate detail was painstakingly carved in wax at Dani’s workshop.
As a first-time innovation, Neha decided to used carved gemstones in her design. Each gemstone was envisioned to be carved to detailed patterns. In her workshop, the flowers that would adorn the jewellery in agate were sculpted out of wax, as an initial study. Thereafter, each petal of the flowers was shaped in wax and given serial numbers which would serve as reference for the gem carver.
The different elements of the jewels in wax model – the flowers that would be of agate, the main frame of the bangle in titanium and the diamond encrusted loops were put together and became the blueprint for the final piece. Neha played with the form and shapes of the pieces in wax till she arrived at the final harmonious sculptural form.
Once the wax carving was complete, the process moved to the historic city of Jaipur, renowned for its rich tradition of gemstone craftsmanship. Here, skilled lapidaries worked their magic on custom-carved agate stones which were handpicked by Neha. Using her wax carving as their reference, each petal was carved. Neha collaborated closely with artisans to ensure that each agate is transformed into a unique work of art. The process involved carving the agate to specific designs, intricately etching patterns, and shaping the stones to perfection. This delicate process breathed life into the agate, giving it a soul of its own.
Gemstone carving is a meticulous and ancient craft that transforms rough gemstones into exquisite works of art. With roots dating back to ancient civilizations, skilled artisans have honed their techniques over generations, creating intricate carvings that reveal the true potential of these natural wonders.
The process begins with selecting a suitable gemstone. Expert carvers evaluate the stone's inherent qualities, considering its color, clarity, and structural integrity. Neha selected agate for the pieces, their beautiful and warm amber glow would add beauty that’s unexpected and yet stunning.
Carving gemstones requires specialized tools such as diamond-tipped drills, grinding wheels, and polishing compounds. Craftsmen use these tools to carefully remove layers of material, unveiling the gem's hidden beauty. The design possibilities are endless, from traditional figurines and intricate cameos to modern abstract sculptures. For her pieces, Neha Dani has chosen delicate floral patterns which have been carved out of agate.
Creating a Silver Model: Precision Engineering Meets Artistry
With the custom-carved agate stones ready, the next step was the creation of a silver model. This served as the foundation on which the agate would be set. This stage of the process is where precision engineering meets artistry. Skilled craftsmen crafted the silver model with the utmost attention to detail, ensuring that it not only showcases the agate's beauty but also securely holds the precious gemstones in place. The rest of the gemstones – diamonds that are to stud the pieces were carefully mapped onto the model to ensure that from every angle, the jewels remain works of three dimensional art.
The Final Jewels: Bringing Dreams to Life
Once the pieces were designed to Neha’s meticulous standards the final jewels were crafted in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. Here, Neha Dani's team of master jewellers meticulously assembled the jewellery, setting the custom-carved agate stones with a dazzling array of diamonds on titanium. The use of titanium as a base metal for these pieces not only ensures their durability but also allows for intricate and lightweight designs.
The final manufacturing phase is a culmination of creativity and precision. Each piece is carefully inspected to ensure that it meets Neha Dani's exacting standards of quality and design. The jewellery comes to life, radiating the essence of the designer's vision and the expertise of the artisans who brought it to fruition. The entire design process, from the initial wax carving to the final manufacturing, spans several months of dedicated craftsmanship.
The carved agate pieces are not just jewellery but masterpieces that tell a story of craftsmanship, creativity, and dedication. Each jewel in this collection is a timeless piece of wearable art that will be cherished for generations to come.