Canadian jeweler introduces CAD to 34-year-old practice

A jeweler in Courtenay, British Columbia recently decided to take his creative process to the next level by using computer-aided design programs to create his jewelry.

Korea-born Yongsup Kim, who has designed jewelry for over 34 years, is now using 3D CAD software coupled with his own design ideas to create jewelry to their specifications, the Comox Valley Echo recently reported.

One of Kim’s clients Lois Colongioli told the Echo she was “absolutely thrilled” when Kim used his CAD program to demonstrate how a pair of earrings could be refashioned from white gold to yellow. Kim has also used the 3D CAD program to design and refashion rings, bracelets and necklaces.

“We don’t just sell jewelry, we craft it. The beauty is the customer knows exactly what the finished piece will look like before we start to make it,” Kim told the Echo. “The shape, the arrangement, the color, the size, the weight ... everything they need to know to be sure it’s going to be absolutely right.”

In addition to CAD software, jewelers are some of the early pioneers to use 3D printing in their manufacturing process. Many jewelers use 3D printers to create detailed wax casts into which molten metal is poured, allowing them to build a near-infinite inventory of jewelry designs.