Today we discuss custom jewelry design costs. Mass-produced jewelry is less expensive than its custom-made counterpart as it only takes one design to manufacture in bulk. On the other hand, custom jewelry requires the jeweler to create unique shapes and details to cater to the client’s preferences, and it may take weeks to finish one design. However, you can work with a custom jewelry designer to create something within your budget, and not all custom jewelry is expensive.
The jeweler creates a detailed digital design model during the CAD drawing phase that is identical to the shape and dimension defined by the client. The 2D to 3D modeling expert will then ensure the file is 3D-printed to build a plastic or wax replica. It is unacceptable to make even the tiniest error during the CAD or printing processes. The client cannot request design changes at this stage because it means starting the work over again. The design process ends with a plastic/wax replica as the outcome unless the client wants the model transformed into actual jewelry.
In that case, the replica is encased in plaster to make a mold.
Once the mold is ready, the next step is metalworking. A molten material (gold, silver, platinum, or an alloy of the client’s intended specifications) is poured into the mold to cast the jewelry. As with every custom-made item, no two personalized jewelry pieces are identical. The complexity level becomes the primary factor used to determine the design cost. For example, an elaborate engagement ring with several accent stones on each side of the main stone is more difficult to design than a simple wedding band.
Suppose the jewelry features complex patterns with locks, clasps, and curves. Then its design price increases accordingly. The same thing applies to stone quantity as it requires the concept design and product development designer to create a nesting spot for all of them. Some designs, such as Channel and Bezel settings, do not need a set of prongs to hold each stone, while Pave and Tiffany settings use multiple prongs to keep the stones in place. However, because every stone shape is intricate, this does not always imply that designs without prongs are more affordable than alternatives.
Design Process
While every jeweler approaches their work in a different way, the design process typically follows a consistent path. 1. Consultation: the first thing that happens is a discussion between a client and jeweler about a potential custom jewelry project. In most cases, the client brings multiple images to demonstrate multiple versions of the intended design. The budget is a big part of the consultation. The jeweler should be able to hand-draw some rough sketches and wax carvings based on the images and detailed description.
2. CAD drawing: the jeweler will produce several sketches and send them to the client. It may take a few more days of discussion and revisions until the client approves. The most time-consuming part of the design process—the CAD drawing expert’s creation of a CAD drawing—will be based on the selected sketch. The client must provide detailed information about the stones, finishes, and materials (including type, quantity, size, and shape) in order for an accurate image to be created. A client may ask the 3D rendering company for a rendering of the 3D model, so they can see a photorealistic version of the jewelry to be made. A rendering comes with an additional cost, and a high-quality rendering can cost hundreds of dollars for a complex design. Discuss with the jeweler whether the step is necessary or you can omit the service to save money.
4. Casting: casting is not part of the design process, and the jeweler only moves forward with this step if the client decides to produce the jewelry.
The next phase in line is casting and finishing. A gem-setter will put each stone in place, and the metal is textured and completed as specified by the client. There will be a final check to make sure the design is correct before the project is finished. Related: Using additive manufacturing to create fully metal parts and products: 3D printing with metals Finished product Every custom jewelry design is a unique new product created by a 3D product modeling designer that has never been produced previously. Even if you copy a similar design from a product that was made in mass quantities, you can rest assured that the jewelry will be treated with the care and attention it deserves.
Since you will be involved throughout the design and manufacturing process, the final product will be a custom-personalized item. Suppose the design is unique enough that the final product doesn’t resemble any existing mass-produced jewelry. In that case, you can purchase the copyright from the jewelers and make some more copies.
How Cad Crowd can be of service With jewelry designs from designers of different backgrounds and styles, you’re sure to find a freelancer that can design your custom jewelry piece according to your requirements. Get an estimate now and tell us about your jewelry project. Cad Crowd is the only design firm that provides superior CAD services. Hire a jewelry freelancer today!
