Diamonds are forever, and beautifully crafted custom engagement ring design is supposed to be timeless. That doesn’t mean however that the custom jewelry industry is immune to change. Technological advancements and a shift in the wider public’s attitude to style and fashion have led to an evolution in the custom jewelry industry, and you may be surprised to learn just how. Some of the evolution almost sounds too good to be true: From helping the expert craftsmen and women to produce samples of their work with greater ease and speed, to expanding their market of customers from a local to global market without leaving their workshops while utilizing social media platforms to reach a far wider audience.
Read on to see why they aren’t.
A New Dimension of Jewelry Design
In the early days of custom engagement ring design, paper wasn’t just for the anticipated first wedding anniversary. From the initial sketches right up to 3D projections of the finished piece, everything was hand-drawn. Before the piece came to life in the form of a painstakingly hand-carved wax model.
Although many engagement ring designs still begin life as pencil sketches, which are works of art in their own right, CAD (Computer-aided Design) programs changed the 3D rendering world long ago. The technology has now been used in the custom engagement ring design process for years.
Recently however, another technology has allowed the custom jeweler to save even more time during the process: 3D printing. With the creation of samples and model rings automated, the jeweler can offer a wider selection to the customer to view, while also saving time to concentrate on making the designs the best they can be before the model is 3D printed.
A Worldwide Web of Customers
The custom engagement ring market, like that of any tailored product, has always been inherently local. If you were to communicate with your jeweler every step of the way, viewing samples and agreeing on design choices, you needed to be able to visit the workshop.
As the rise of digital communication has allowed the custom jeweler to reach a far wider market, this is no longer the case.
Initial consultations can take place over face-to-face video calls, and once the jeweler understands the customer’s vision, the pencil sketches can be scanned and sent via email. Once they have been approved, the 3D CAD renderings also be sent. The process finally culminates in the 3D printing of a sample piece. With high quality photographs of this also emailed and approved, the final piece can be created and sent out to the happy customer; their perfect custom engagement ring design received from an expert custom jeweler who they may never actually meet in person.
A Social Phenomenon
The rise of artsy, visual social media sites such as Pinterest and Instagram has led to an awakening in the general public to much wider circles of fashion as New trends and looks are shared across the globe at the click of a button
People are realizing there are more options out there than what is found their jeweler. The desire for pieces inspired by exotic, world fashion means people are turning to custom jewelers, leading in turn to an increased demand for their services.
From custom engagement ring design to necklaces and earrings, people are bringing more diversity in their ideas. Perhaps inspired by something they have seen shared on a social media site, consumers are now aware that custom jewelers can make their visions a reality.
Technological advances have changed every industry in the world, and the custom jewelry business is no different. From helping the jeweler to quickly produce 3D-printed samples and allowing worldwide communication with customers, to the public sharing of ideas via the internet; technology and the custom jewelry industry are working hand in hand for the benefit of the jewelers and their customers everywhere.
