Innovative Jewellery Design Using CAD
With the use C.A.D in jewellery manufacture thriving in the ever changing world of jewellery, we're here to help shed some light on what this could mean for you if you are planning on having a bespoke item of jewellery made
So, what is C.A.D?
C.A.D is a Computer-Aided Design depicting a 3D model of a piece of jewellery. As with all aspects of modern-day life, technology has changed the way in which jewellery is designed, as this would have previously been done by hand-drawing each individual angle, requiring a skilled artist and jeweller and taking many hours to complete. CAD design allows a jewellery designer to create an accurate and clear design, which has the ability to compete with the very best hand-drawn designs. The CAD file can then be used to print a 3D wax model of the item of jewellery, which provides an exact wax replica of the item to be checked before it is made in your chosen precious metal and transformed into a metal and developed into your stunning piece of jewellery.
There are multiple types of different CAD designs. A standard CAD design shows the basic design elements which includes proportions, or if a more detailed design is needed a CAD can be upgraded to a lifestyle render to see a more realistic appearance.
Why have a piece of jewellery made using CAD?
The CAD programs allow you to view a rendered image of the item of jewellery in three dimensional design. A rendered image means it brings the design to life, transforming it from a 3D computer graphic to a realistic image of the completed item. The rendered CAD images can also help the identify any areas that you may wish to change at the design stage, before the ring is underway.
Of course, using a CAD is a lot more time efficient than spending time drawing, meaning the use of CAD has bought the cost of bespoke jewellery to a much more affordable level. A design that could take an entire day to draw by hand can often be designed in a few hours on a a CAD program.
Reading a CAD design
Although the CAD image gives a very close depiction of what the item will look like, we always advise to bear in mind that once our experienced craftsmen have applied the finishing details, including precision setting, it will further improve the jewellery, giving a much softer appearance to the edges and a stunning finish.
The CAD images are done to the exact proportions of the final piece, but are viewed in up to 100x higher magnification, so naturally the item can look more chunky and less refined than it will once it is complete.
If you are getting a bespoke item of jewellery made using CAD, an experienced person should be able to walk you through the details of the design, explain the intricacies and answer any questions you may have.
If you would like one of the Hatton Jewels team to talk you through the CAD process, see our previous designs, or if you are ready to get started with your own design simply book an book an appointment online, or give us a call on 0203 116 0069 and speak to one of our friendly expert members of staff who can guide you through any type of jewellery purchase.