The beauty of hundreds of glittering diamonds, polished to perfection using CG.
Close-up jewellery reveals quite a lot of imperfections such as surface scratches. It was essential to introduce a small amount of imperfection for realism but the pieces had to still look brand new and not secondhand or antique. Adjusting the specular and reflection of metal is the difference between silver, brushed steel and chrome.
The balance of clarity and refraction of the gems determines the difference between diamonds and glass. Subtle differences can make all the difference.
The Process
Model jewellery
Select camera angles and moves that showcase the specifics of each piece of jewellery
Rig moving jewellery and test
Animate gems and jewellery
Develop the look of the metallic materials, and the colour, clarity and refractivity of gems
Check jewellery sizes
Depth-of-field tests
Light and render
Final composite
The team
Client: Michael Hill
Agency: Friends + Allies
Creative Director: Christy Peacock
VFX by SQUEAK
Creative Director/VFX Supervisor: Zenon Kohler
Team: Rob Conn, Cam Wright and Steve Leacey
VFX Producer: Jessica Vines
Post Production by Cutting Edge
Sound Designer: Mike Lange
Senior Producer: Samara Keune
