Description: This tutorial will show you how to create a realistic diamond using Adoble Illustrator.

In this tutorial you will need:
- Adobe Illustator CS or higher
- About 30 minutes

Step 1: Tracing the Template

You can download the Template and Completed Jewel here

Open up the template file in Adobe Illustrator

Before we get too far ino this project, lets set up our work space. Make sure to have Rulers turned on.

Click -> View -> Smart Guides (this allows us to intersct our diamond at the anchor points as well as adhere to some simple geometry)

Create a new Layer -> Lock the orignal layer so that you can trace over the top of this image without accidently editing it. Alternatively, you can select the Layer and make it a Template layer.

Our goal here is to create a new layer for each facet of the Diamond. We trace a single facet of the diamond template using a 2pxl stroke. After we finish tracing it, lock the layer and continue until you have completed the right half of the diamond.

The reason we are only tracing half of this image is because we can save time and ensure accuracy by copying the completed half image and pasting it on the top of the original. Then we Group the selection and move it to the left until the Smart Guides intersect in the middle.

You should have something like this compiled into 24 seperate layers.

Step 2: Color by numbers

OK - so this part is fairly easy and fun. First we want to create a simple gradient that we can use over and over again.

Click on the Gradient Tool -> Select a nice fuschia color and add it to the gradient selector -> Then add a light fuschia to the opposite end of the spectrum -> Add white inbetween the 2 colors and you should have something like this…

Now for the part… Lets get coloring.

Select each Facet layer -> Click on the Gradient Swatch -> this will fill each selection with the fuschia gradient. You can does this fast and repetative or for a more realistic look -> try using varying angles of the gradient inside each facet.

Your image should look similar to this:

At this point we want to Group our new diamond and getprepare for the final touch of magic.

Step 3: Putting the pieces together

What we want to do now is complete the diamond and turn it into a jewel. With the diamond Group still selected -> Copy and Paste in Front (cmd+F on Mac) -> Rotate 90 degrees -> Use the Smart Guides to help alaign the Diamond to the underlying diamond -> Repeat the process 2 moretimes until the diamond rotates completely forming the base of the jewel.

There is one trick here I would like to note. The jewel looks more realistic if you bring the 1st Grouping and the 3rd diamond grouping to the forground, leaving the 2nd and 4th to be layered behind these two images. -> Select 1st group -> Right Clight -> Arrange -> Bring Forward -> Repeat for the 3rd group.

Select the Rectangle Shape tool -> Again using the Smart Guides -> find the Ancher Intersect of the upper left 2 diamonds -> Drag the rectangle to the opposite lower right 2 diamonds.

You can use the same Gradient or adjust the colors to be more towards the white value -> Using the gradient tool -> drag diagnal from upper left to lower right of the new rectangle -> In the Layers Properties dialog box -> Select “Lighten” (you can experiment with opacity and other layer effects for some fun results)

Step 4: Prepare for Press

Next lets prepare this jewel for print. We neeed to convert the strokes to outlines. You are all set - Enjoy your new Bling-Bling Jewelry.

Check out how this concept was adopted into a logo design for Cynthias Jewelry Box - the place for bridal and pageant jewelry.

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Sincerely,

Brian Gonzales