VFX Senior Thesis: Gemstones
- Oct 19, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 18
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An episode opening sequence for a television series based off of an unpublished novel series by Scarlette Masons, "The Elemental Kingdom Chronicles"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
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:
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