VFX Senior Thesis - Gemstones
- theemilykraus
- Oct 19, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Concept:
An episode opening sequence for a television series based off of an unpublished novel series by Scarlette Masons, "The Elemental Kingdom Chronicles"
Models using these stones:
***Updated as worked on***
UPDATE 1
10/20:
Research was conducted on a variety of gemstones:
Gems
Crystals
Uncut & Cut
Moving Forward:
Working to bring all research together in order to create gemstones for the chalice, tiara, and crown models that capture light in a realistic/hand-created way
Start with modeling
Personal Field Research:
Video Reference:
Photo Reference:
Research/Inspo:
Inspiration of SCAD Alumni's work (Shea Crowley):
Research for Gemstone Shaders over a variety of programs:
Maya References/Tutorials
Houdini References/Tutorials
Blender References/Tutorials
Other Programs
UPDATE 2
10/21:
Internal imperfections in Blender
Moving Forward:
Trying other programs
Making final gem models

UPDATE 3
12/01:
New crystal models created in a variety of facets
Moving Forward:
Trying other programs
Making textures for gems / working from references

UPDATE 4
12/03:
Houdini testing, model start from tutorial reference
Moving Forward:
Trying other programs
Making textures for gems / working from references

UPDATE 5
12/26:
model and uv cleanup
Moving Forward:
Trying other programs
Making textures for gems / working from references

UPDATE 6
12/28:
Gemstone Shader progress
Moving Forward:
Trying other programs
Making textures for gems / working from references
WIP:
UPDATE 7
12/30:
Completed Crystal test
UPDATE 8
12/31:
Crystal Shader models based on references
Moving Forward:
Inputting shaded gemstones into models, adjusting as needed.
Adding imperfections/scratches manually when needed
Variety of gem models using cuts and color/gem types in Myrah's Tiara model:

UPDATE 9
01/06:
Crystal Shader render tests
Moving Forward:
Inputting shaded gemstones into models, adjusting as needed.
Adding imperfections/scratches manually when needed
Test shots per gem facet and size:
Chalice Test:



































































































































































![The Elemental Kingdom Chronicles: OTS [Senior Thesis Project]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bed8ee_13897525e8be46ba9ef51d823cc934b8~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_519,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/bed8ee_13897525e8be46ba9ef51d823cc934b8~mv2.jpg)

Comments