Understanding Jewelry CAD Design
What is Jewelry CAD Design?
Jewelry CAD design is a specialized field of computer-aided design (CAD) that focuses on creating digital models of jewelry pieces for manufacturing. Using specialized CAD software, jewelry designers can create 3D models (also known as renderings) of their designs, which can be used to create physical prototypes or sent directly to manufacturing equipment such as 3D printers. Jewelry CAD design allows for greater precision and customization compared to traditional jewelry-making techniques, and enables designers to create more complex designs with intricate details that might not be possible through manual techniques.
What is a CAD Rendering?
One of the features that is really great about CAD is the ability to do renderings. Rendering is the process of creating a raster image based on the 3D objects of a scene. Basically, the 3D models of jewelry are placed in a virtual environment, assigned certain parts like different materials and textures, and then the computer creates a photo-realistic image of what the piece of jewelry will look like when it’s finished. This ability creates an added value to our customers by letting them see what the design will look like when it’s finished. Drawings can be useful but are limited to two dimensions, whereas CAD can include the third dimension customers sometimes like to see.
The Jewelry CAD Design Process
STARTS WITH A VISION
The process of jewelry CAD design begins when you meet with our design specialists at our jewelry store in Boca Raton to discuss your vision. We will go over requirements, take a look at inspiration photos and/or create a 2D sketch or drawing of the envisioned jewelry piece. Once the design is chosen, it will then get submitted to our CAD design department. This is where the heart of the custom design begins!
THE 3D MODEL DESIGN
After the chosen design has been submitted to our CAD design department, they will create a digital 3D model (aka rendering) of your jewelry using top-of-the-line CAD software. The model is refined, with details such as gemstone placement and metal thickness added. This can take anywhere from one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the job and how busy our design department is. The design can be altered throughout this process, ensuring the finished piece meets your design vision.
While this process allows you to see your jewelry before going into full production, keep in mind that a 3D model is designed for usefulness rather than aesthetics, so it may not look as refined as your final result.
YOUR JEWELRY IN 3D WAX PRINTING
The 3D model you viewed in the previous stage wasn’t just for you to examine a sample ahead of time; it also serves as the foundation for the wax model in the next step. In most current CAD designs for jewelry production, 3D printing equipment is used to make a wax model composed of resin. The CAD file that contains your jewelry creation gets sent as a digital file to a high-precision, high-quality, 3D printer that reads the data and prints it out as a 1:1 wax jewelry model.
CREATING A METAL MODEL FROM A WAX MODEL
Following that, your one of a kind jewelry design created using CAD goes through the casting process. The wax is melted away, and your metal of choice, usually yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, silver, or platinum, is substituted in molten form. After, the metal hardens into the shape of your jewelry. This method is known as “lost wax” casting.
TRADITIONAL FINISHING TOUCHES
Now it's time for the traditional finishing processes that are used to craft the final, beautiful piece of jewelry.
ASSEMBLY & CLEANING
Once your new piece of jewelry has passed through the design and casting stages, one of our expert jewelers refines the main construction of your piece at this phase. To uncover the metal beneath the casting skin, the jeweler files it down. Although casting changed the CAD design jewelry into exquisite metal, the jeweler must make any necessary aesthetic alterations and ensure that the piece can support diamonds and/or gemstones functionally.
STONE SETTING
Finally, the diamond setter delicately places the loose diamonds or other jewels in your piece during this step, setting each individual stone using a microscope.
QUALITY CONTROL, POLISHING, & FINISHING
Last but not least, our expert jeweler works on polishing the piece to ensure that the metal is perfectly polished and as gleaming as possible in the final stage. Any last touches, such as engravings, are applied as well. Finally, the jewelry goes through a final quality check, and each detail is thoroughly examined to ensure that production went smoothly.
Jewelry Design Near Me
At Devon’s Diamonds & Decor, we are proud to offer expert jewelry CAD design services to our clients. We have been creating custom designed jewelry for generations and with the jewelry industry changing every few years, we like to follow suit. We utilize cutting-edge technology to create detailed 3D models of jewelry designs, allowing our clients to visualize and make changes before production. With over thousands of designs under our belt, our team of experts will create your one of a kind masterpiece. From intricate engagement rings to personalized pendants, our team can bring any design to life. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, clients can trust Devon's Diamonds & Decor to create one-of-a-kind pieces they'll cherish for years to come.
