Computer-aided design software and computer-aided design hardware have been becoming more and more popular as time has gone on. Don’t recognise those long-winded names? We bet you’ve heard of the 3D printers making their mark in the manufacturing business.

CAD software like Rhino 3D is used in a wide range of industries, from interior and fashion design right through to architecture and vehicle structures. But why is it so popular? And why has the ever-popular jewellery industry jumped on the bandwagon?

The answer is that CAD has a versatility and number of benefits that cannot be seen in the traditional methods of design. Both traditional and contemporary methods are used by jewellery designers today, yet it’s fair to say that in many cases, CAD saves a lot of time…

A brief history of jewellery making

Before CAD and CAM existed, the traditional and most-used process to design and create jewellery required not only great skill, but a lot of patience.

Starting with a piece of paper and a pencil, the designer would sketch, rub out and re-sketch a design until it was completely perfect and accurate so it could be used to hand make the jewellery out of metal, or carve it out of wax to use in the metal casting process.

Once carved out of wax, it would go into the investment process before being placed in an oven. When the wax burned away, the preferred metal was poured into the cavity left by the wax – and voila!

If the designer or manufacturer wants to create duplicates of the original model, they would use rubber moulds. However, if they want a slight variation on the original, an entirely new model would have to be created.

The benefits of CAD in jewellery design

As we said, sounds quite time-consuming, right? Which is where both CAD software and CAM hardware steps in with its advantages when it comes to jewellery making, including:

• The steps of the process can be completed significantly quicker, depending on the design
  
• In many cases, CAD aids the accuracy of design and minimises time taken for ‘trial and error’
  
• Replications can be made more easily benefiting mass production
  
• Significantly cuts the cost on amount of materials used in previous methods
  
• Relatively easy to create variations, giving you a chance to express your creativity
  
• In many cases motifs can be ‘copied and pasted’ into other projects
  
• Aids in the design of smaller and more intricate features with zoom feature
  
• Can create photo-realistic images to give an idea of how the finished item will look
  

With CAD, changes can be made at the click of the mouse, and your project – with more detail than ever before – can be left to the incredibly intelligent CAM systems like 3D printers to become a reality.

Large replicated amounts, designs with variations and complex designs can be tackled by experienced designers using this software and hardware. Their precise and time-saving qualities just prove how technology has revolutionised the jewellery industry, among many other industries too.

Of course, design and engineering skills are necessary for both traditional methods and the contemporary method of CAD, which is why we offer specialist training in how to use CAD software, Rhino 3D to design jewellery.

Take a look at our Level 1 and Level 2 training courses, or to find out more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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1. Have a basic design

When you start the process, it’s a good idea to ask yourself if you have a clear vision of what you want the ring to look like. It will help you if you make some preliminary sketches to take to your jewellery designer.

If you’re not sure what you want, have a look in jewellery stores and online, for ideas on settings, filigrees, mixed metals, organic lines and gemstones. Note down anything that catches your eye, and let your jeweller know the elements of ring design you like, as this will help them design something you want.

2. Choose the right designer

After you’ve come up with a vague design, you will need to find the right jewellery designer. Many jewellers have in-house designers who specialise in custom pieces. When it comes to jewellery designers, take note of any recommendations from family and friends, as this should give you an idea of the quality of their work.

When you’re talking to a jewellery designer, make sure you view their portfolio of other work. As an artist, their style will influence your design, and you should make sure that their style will suit your dream ring.

3. Communicate

Once you’ve found the right jewellery designer and talked about what you want, they should be able to mock up a digital version of the jewellery, using a CAD software programme, such as Rhino 3D. This will allow you to make sure the designer has followed your ideas, and whether the idea works. By using CAD software to make a digital version of the ring, you can make changes before the ring has actually been made, saving you time and money.

You should ask to see all the elements that’ll make up the ring in person, prior to the ring being made. This way, you can inspect the gemstones and precious metals that’ll build your engagement ring.

4. Warranties and guarantees

When it comes to custom ring design, you will need to take extra care regarding warranties and guarantees. Ensure you get everything in writing, from everything (metals, gemstones and so on) included in the ring, to a final appraisal that specifies the designer and custom design. You should also remember to insure your ring to give it an extra layer of protection.

It’s quite common to feel intimidated when talking through your ideas with an experience jewellery designer. Whilst they may have experience and knowledge, along with passion and artistic skill with jewellery design, remember that it isn’t the designer’s ring, it’s yours. Make sure your designer gives you what you’ve asked for.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Custom Designing an Engagement Ring appeared first on CAD Culture.

Silver

Silver is a much softer metal compared to gold and platinum, making it less resilient. For this reason, and the fact it tarnishes easily, means it is rarely used for wedding or engagement rings. Silver is also prone to oxidisation, which can sometimes turn the metal black. If you care for your silver jewellery, it can easily be kept looking new.

Gold

Gold is historically the classic colour of wedding bands and jewellery. All gold jewellery is made up of an alloy between gold and other metals. This is measured in Carats, and the more Carats a piece of jewellery has, the more valuable it is. 18 ct gold tends to be a lot more durable than 9ct gold, as well as maintaining a better appearance. The gold alloy will affect the resistance of the jewellery to scratching and also influence the colour of the piece.

Yellow gold – Yellow, or ‘original’ gold is made from an alloy usually including zinc, silver and copper, to give it extra strength and enhance the shine. If you’re after a traditional look to your jewellery, or tend to wear warm colours, yellow gold is your best option. It provides a great contrast for gemstones and other metals.

White gold – White gold mixes yellow gold with silver or palladium to give it its distinct colour. When made with silver, the result is a creamy colour, with a hint of yellow. Palladium offers a richer, darker white colour, as well as making the metal more durable. White gold is often then coated in Rhodium to produce a stunning white finish and extra lustre.

Platinum
Platinum is one of the rarest and most precious metals available, making it increasingly popular for wedding bands. It has an immense level of durability and resistance to everyday tarnishing and scratching, polishing up well. This beautiful white metal is very dense and heavy, so you will feel the weight of a platinum piece of jewellery a lot more than an equivalent gold or silver piece. Unlike gold, which is always as an alloy, platinum jewellery is almost entirely pure, being an average of 95% pure.

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