Medusa

Task Description

The Realistic Pendant Rendering project involved creating a detailed 3D replica of a unique, handmade pendant that was housed in a museum. Due to the pendant's value and the inability to access the physical object, we relied on x-ray scans, material analysis, and extensive reference photography and videos. The primary goal was to produce a photorealistic representation of the pendant, including intricate textures and materials of the gemstones, while presenting the object in an engaging manner.

Thought Process

Initially, we focused on gathering all available data about the pendant, including its construction methods and the arrangement of gemstones. The modeling was executed in Blender, followed by sculpting in ZBrush to accurately capture the intricate details from the references. After texturing the model in Substance Painter, we transferred it to Houdini for a digital cut, allowing us to visualize the internal structure and gemstone placement. The liquid filling simulation mirrored the craftsmanship involved in placing the gemstones within the gold pendant.
The final step involved bringing the high-definition model back into Blender for realistic lighting and material creation. Special attention was given to the materials, ensuring they reflected the pendant’s unique characteristics.

Challenges

One of the main challenges was creating realistic opal materials, which exhibited complex internal scattering properties. We employed a technique using volumes and procedural 3D textures to achieve a lifelike appearance. This required careful adjustments to simulate how light interacts with the opal, ensuring it looked authentic in the final render.

Gallery

Final edit

Tools Used

- Blender: Used for initial modeling, lighting, and final adjustments to the 3D pendant.
- ZBrush: Sculpted the model to achieve high levels of detail based on reference materials.
- Substance Painter: Textured the pendant, applying colors and high-frequency details to the gemstones.
- Houdini: Executed the digital cutting and liquid filling simulations to visualize gemstone placement.
- Blackmagic Fusion: Composited the final render for enhanced visual quality and presentation.