ZBrush Jewelry Basics: Bezel Setting with DynaMesh Boolean

For an in-depth discussion, check my blog post here: http://www.katkramer.com/blog/2017/10...
This in-depth tutorial shows how to create a simple bezel setting for jewelry using the DynaMesh Boolean function in ZBrush 4R8 and earlier versions. The video is geared toward a beginning jewelry artist who wants to learn ZBrush, or someone who wants to learn some tips for working efficiently and also on full-size, precision models.

The tutorial in an in-depth look that also answers some questions about creating an actual size model and how to find an efficient DynaMesh resolution that's appropriate for working on laptops or lower-powered computers. I strive in my videos to avoid high-ActivePoint counts that slow down the computer, instead focusing on using efficient point counts that result in smaller file sizes and better performance. I developed this way of working after following other videos that caused me to have to wait for re-DynaMeshing objects and spend time processing that was inefficient.

I have used this setting in other jewelry designs and printed on a Formlabs Form 2 printer with great accuracy; including setting small cabochons with little to no cleanup with burs. This particular setting works for both cabochon (rounded top) or faceted stones. When setting the stone in a cast piece, a hammer handpiece is recommended, but adjusting the thickness of the bezel with the Inflate slider under the Deformation palette could accomplish that.

This tutorial is not designed for ZBrush Core, but I will be creating a companion video here soon.

If you're interested in more information on 3D printing and ZBrush, check out my blog at www.katadair.com or www.katkramer.com.