One of the most significant changes in the jewellery world in the last 10 years has been the advent of CAD - the acronym for Computer Aided Design.
In essence, this is design that takes place in a computer programme, where three-dimensional objects are made in the virtual world. CAD programs allow manipulation and almost infinite detail and they are used in architecture, industrial manufacturing, product design.
Early reticence and high costs of equipment have given way to an acceptance by the majority of jewellers of this new way of working. Many are now designing bespoke jewellery for customers on computer before printing the designs using 3D resin or wax printers. Jewellery items are then cast, finished and polished.
All of this can be done by the individual bench jeweller as the technology has become more widely available at accessible prices. It allows customers to see a computer rendered image or a 3D-printed model of their jewellery before it is made in metal and this allows real time adjustments and changes. When a design is rendered in the computer program, it can be given different materials and textures, and the computer will create a photo-realistic image of how the piece of jewellery will look when completed.
Specialist CAD programs have been developed specifically for jewellery design. Specialist professional casting companies have also embraced computer aided design in jewellery - jewellers will send CAD files which the company will both print and cast, even finish and polish if required.
The traditional skills of the bench jeweller however remain central to the process - in design inspiration, construction knowledge and visualizing how a piece should be constructed in order to have strength and longevity. Many stunning projects now are the product of both 3D design and hand making. The use of these new technologies can also speed up the making/design process and are expanding the boundaries of the creative process.
The future of Computer Aided Design in jewellery is likely to be direct printing of models/files in precious metals. The technology already exists but is currently prohibitively expensive and there are concerns about quality of the end product, but undoubtedly this will change over time given the rapid pace of change in all industries.
If you're interested in computer aided design and are thinking about a commission, you can contact me here. You can see some of my CAD work here too. I post my new work on Instagram, if you'd like to keep up to date.
Code to Carats: the Charms of Computer Aided Design in Jewellery Making | Jackie McMaster Jewellery February 2024
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