Jewelry 3D printing company Gildform offers an online platform for designing and ordering, plus Shopify integration (Source: Gildform)

The field of jewelry making is undergoing a major shift with advancements in 3D printing technology. Using 3D printing to design and produce jewelry opens up new possibilities for pieces that are extremely difficult, if not impossible, with traditional methods. Unlike those methods, which often rely on subtractive techniques or casting, 3D printing employs an additive process. This process builds objects layer-by-layer, providing flexibility to iteration and production.

With 3D printing, it’s possible to achieve intricate details, complex geometries, and delicate details that require painstaking work or highly specialized equipment with conventional techniques.

While 3D printing is widely known for its capability to create prototypes for jewelry designs, its potential goes much further. The technology supports a growing selection of materials, including precious metals, resins, and wax filaments designed specifically for casting. This material diversity allows for the creation of finished jewelry pieces, making 3D printing a cost-effective option for small-scale production and one-of-a-kind designs. 

For both aspiring and established jewelry designers, 3D printing streamlines the design process and promotes experimentation. The ability to quickly iterate on designs and bring them to life leaves time for creativity and innovation.

The Affinity collection Hash ring and bracelet are 3D printed out of gold by Boltenstern (Source: Boltenstern)

Jewelry design software from 3Design (Source: 3Design)

3D printing is not the only tech making waves in the jewelry industry. Over the past few years, there has been rapid growth in small businesses created by hobbyists and artists who are creating and selling laser cut jewelry from various materials.

Wood, acrylic, metal, cork, and much more are being used to create original designs being cut and engraved with laser cutting technology.

Not only does a laser cutter allow a traditional artist to duplicate their original artwork quickly and easily, in multiple types of materials and sizes, but this tech is opening doors for individuals who simply want to make a living personalizing items that already exist.

There are many small business owners who are putting laser cutters in their shops to customize gifts and items right there on the spot, creating an additional source of income for themselves.

The jewelry industry was one of the very first to adopt 3D printing for prototypes and indirect production (via casting patterns). As such, several software and software plugins exist that cater specifically to jewelers’ requirements. Rhino, developed by Rhinoceros, has been the leading choice nearly from the start and today, via Grasshopper and several jewelry-specific add-ons, it is literally dominating the market for professional jewelry design software.

Additive manufacturing is a technique increasingly used by professionals in the jewelry industry because of its ability to design complex and unique parts, all more quickly. It is used in particular to produce molds used later for the lost wax casting; prototypes to allow better visualization of rings, necklaces, bracelets; but also finished parts directly integrated into a jewel.

Imaginarium, a 3D printing service based in India, broke a surprising record last year when it contributed to the creation of the ring with the most diamonds in the world: 7,801 to be exact. This record was entered in the Guinness World Records last September and was made possible thanks to additive manufacturing.

Over the ages, humans have used numerous tools and technologies for forming, marking, cutting, welding, engraving, and cleaning jewelry. We have gone from relying solely upon traditional hand tools like hammers and wood carving knives to CNC machines, 3D printers, and laser cutters in less than 80 years.

The laser cutter alone has great potential to be used outside manufacturing and production. It can be used in jewelry making to give more accurate, precise, efficient, and customized cuts. This article sheds more light on using the laser cutter for jewelry making.

Each year, the customized and DIY jewelry trends continue to evolve. DIY jewelry has huge demand and captivates fashion enthusiasts worldwide. The introduction of laser-cut jewelry is a huge milestone, keeping in view the DIY trend.

Considering the increased demand for DIY jewelry, many entrepreneurs have launched small businesses. These small business owners sell personalized jewelry using laser cutting technology.

Laser engraving jewelry is a powerful way to add a special touch. Whether you use a laser system to engrave precious metals or create new jewelry from wood or acrylic, laser engraving jewelry provides that extra personalization that can mean something special. In fact, over the years laser engraving jewelry has become a very popular business thanks to the relatively small initial investment of a jewelry laser engraver combined with an easy to use engraving process