How can 3D printers be used to create beautiful jewellery?

When 3D printing was first widely used it was referred to as “rapid prototyping”. This has meant the process still has a fairly industrial image. While there are a wide array of practical applications for 3D printing it is also ideal for people who want to produce great designs and allow for great creativity as well as industrial innovation. For example here’s how to 3D print beautiful jewellery.

The process

A number of big name jewellery designers such as Cookson Precious Metals are already using laser sintering at their factory in Birmingham.

Initially the process is the same as a number of other 3D printed projects- you can create the designs using 3D printing software. This can be done very precisely- for example with rings it is possible to mould the ring around the fingerprint of the person you are designing it for. Since every fingerprint is unique you can be sure that that design is best suited to that individual customer.

The layering process is similar to other 3D designs. However in this instance it is possible to create the designs from a range of precious metals. For example you can integrate a name or an inscription into the design of a 14 carat white gold necklace or ring.

After the design has been put in place the layers of the design are crafted by laser before eventually being put together in the printer.

Of course one concern is that this is expensive- however because the process is more automated and there is less wastage as more people learn how to 3D print beautiful jewellery it is likely to get cheaper over time. Whether you are looking to create a unique gift for a loved one or looking to produce your own customised range of jewellery 3D printers look set to make this process cheaper and more efficient.