I just finished watching another enlightening video on Matrix 3D (v6.0) Jewelry Design Software by Gemvision. The application is meant to offer a simplified method of designing virtual 3D jewelry “on-screen while generating a detailed color preview image that can be printed or emailed” – a definite plus for designers wishing to provide accurate visual renderings of a jewelry design before its produced. The images I have viewed from this 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) software application are most definitely impressive. Equally intriguing are some of the renderings I have seen come out of another similar 3D program for jewelry designers – RhinoGold (v2.0). Both programs are built on Rhino’s impressive 3D rendering engine. The quality and precision of the designs produced from these applications makes them both worth further investigation.

I’ve been considering expanding into 3D jewelry design, in addition to my current jewelry illustration methods, as it offers a great way to provide very precise design ideas to clients. Some of the renderings coming out of these 3D CAD programs for jewelry designers are so clean and precise (when produced by a skilled 3D designer) that they could be mistaken for actual photographs of finished work. This leaves little room for interpretation. I’m fortunate to have already developed solid jewelry illustration skills to present accurate designs to clients and I regularly use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, in addition to traditional illustration media, to present my designs to clients. But, it’s hard to beat a 3D rendering so precise as to mirror a finished design BEFORE the piece is ever produced.

Another advantage gained from using a 3D CAD application to render out designs lies in the area of volume design production. Final 3D designs can exported out to a 3D CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) program for fabrication. While this isn’t relevant in the creation of one-of-a-kind designs, it is very useful when designing a line for production. Since I have been investigating the addition of a small to medium scale production line to the Acailawen Designs’ label at some point in the future, considering the use of a 3D jewelry design program would make sense regardless.

The two major drawbacks with adding a 3D Jewelry Design program to my current array of tools as a designer are (a) the rather steep learning curve (taking time away from an already busy design schedule) and (b) the notable cost associated with these programs. It’s always good to thoroughly research your options before making any long-term decisions.