Which technology goes into making jewellery?
by James P. Outreach & PR ExecutiveSimilar to most industries, technology has played its part
in improving the efficiency of the jewellery design and manufacturing process.
But which types of specific technology have transformed the sector?
Computer-aided design (CAD)
As more people look for products which are unique, computer-aided
design (CAD) has become a key feature of bespoke jewellery design and
manufacturing. This type of design uses computers to create and modify a design
before it goes into production. It can generate precise 2D and 3D models, as
well as technical illustrations.
With demand for bespoke products on the rise, CAD is an
important piece of technology for many businesses. When it comes to jewellery
which are to be a gift or hold special meaning, many customers have different
tastes. From bold designs to delicate vintage styles, there are a lot of
variants that people prefer. Often, people want a one-off piece made too, and
CAD can help with this.
Not only does it reduce the amount of time needed to create
bespoke designs, but it also allows for the generation of designs before the
finished product is manufactured. The technical illustrations which can be
produced allow the customer to see their desired product from different angles
and in a realistic format. This means that any modifications to the piece can
be made before the jewellery is created, saving wasted gems, metals and
resources if the client changes their mind.
Neil Dutta from Angelic Diamonds, retailer of engagement rings, says:
“CAD allows for the creation of more intricate designs, as the piece can be
seen and edited close-up in a way that didn’t used to be possible. Customers
can add their own input to the designs after seeing the realistic images too.
Jewellery is often a significant investment for the buyer and it’s important
for both the client and the seller that the buyer is satisfied with the end-product.”
3D printing
3D printing has opened a range of opportunities for a lot of
sectors, improving the efficiency of the manufacturing and production process.
In the jewellery industry, 3D printing works by using CAD to
create 3D printed wax or resin models of jewellery. These are then used to cast
delicate pieces with the fine metals — 3D printing with precious metals to
begin with would be overly costly. These moulds mean that separate sections of
metal don’t need to be soldered together, creating a more solid and complex
piece of jewellery.
Talking about her business, Shoes by Shaherazad, which specialises in
jewellery for shoes, Shaherazad Umbreen says: “I've experimented with 3D printing
a lot, as it allows low-cost testing of product designs. In the past, going
directly to metal-bashing techniques meant that if a design didn't look right,
then precious time (and costly metals) were lost.
“Now, I design in CAD, print in 3D, and only then when the
design is just right do I then use the 3D mould to create a piece of jewellery.
Many of my designs are in 22 carat gold, so this new process has saved me
thousands of pounds and hours of time.”
Laser technology
Another type of technology that’s proven popular in the
jewellery industry is laser technology. Although this has been around for some
time, advancements in lasers are continually progressing the industry.
Laser engraving is a modern alternative for making one-off,
custom or unique designs. Laser technology can be used when engraving metal
pieces or adding inscriptions and detail to jewellery. The smallest of details
can be created with a laser, due to the precision of the machinery, meaning
that wording is clearly legible once engraved.
Although technology of jewellery has changed over time,
people still appreciate hand-crafted pieces and jewellery that has taken care
to create. Who knows what the next revolution in the industry will be…
Sources
https://www.digitalschool.ca/how-cad-technology-is-changing-jewellery-design/
https://www.professionaljeweller.com/feature-how-tech-is-redefining-jewellery-manufacturing/
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Created on Mar 31st 2021 03:34. Viewed 363 times.