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JewelCAD Journal

Expert guides on jewelry manufacturing, CAD design, 3D printing, and the craft behind every piece.

Latest Articles

Understanding Casting Shrinkage in Jewelry Manufacturing: What Every Designer Needs to Know
Casting

Understanding Casting Shrinkage in Jewelry Manufacturing: What Every Designer Needs to Know

Casting shrinkage is a natural part of the lost-wax jewelry manufacturing process, and understanding it can save you time, money, and frustration. Learn how experienced CAD designers and casting professionals account for metal shrinkage to deliver finished pieces that match your exact specifications.

July 7, 2026  ·  4 min read
Sustainable Jewelry Manufacturing in 2026: What Every Independent Brand Needs to Know
Industry

Sustainable Jewelry Manufacturing in 2026: What Every Independent Brand Needs to Know

Sustainable jewelry manufacturing in 2026 is reshaping how independent brands and designers approach production, from responsibly sourced metals to CAD-optimized designs. Discover practical strategies to reduce waste, improve traceability, and choose a manufacturing partner aligned with your values.

July 7, 2026  ·  4 min read
How to Start a Custom Jewelry Brand from Scratch: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Designers
Industry

How to Start a Custom Jewelry Brand from Scratch: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Designers

Starting a custom jewelry brand requires more than great design — it takes a smart production strategy and the right manufacturing partner. This guide walks you through every step, from CAD design and 3D printing prototypes to casting and finding a workshop that grows with your brand.

July 7, 2026  ·  4 min read
How Much Does Custom Jewelry CAD Design Cost? A Complete Pricing Guide for 2024
CAD Design

How Much Does Custom Jewelry CAD Design Cost? A Complete Pricing Guide for 2024

Custom jewelry CAD design costs vary from $30 to $500+ depending on complexity, stone settings, and turnaround time. This guide breaks down pricing factors and offers practical tips to help designers and brands budget wisely for their next collection.

July 7, 2026  ·  4 min read
How to Prepare Your Jewelry Design for 3D Printing: A Step-by-Step Guide
3D Printing

How to Prepare Your Jewelry Design for 3D Printing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your jewelry design 3D-print-ready involves more than just exporting an STL file — wall thickness, mesh integrity, and orientation all play a critical role. This guide walks jewelry designers and brands through every key step to ensure a clean print and successful cast.

July 7, 2026  ·  4 min read
3D Printing File Formats for Jewelry: What Every Designer Needs to Know
3D Printing

3D Printing File Formats for Jewelry: What Every Designer Needs to Know

Choosing the right 3D printing file format is one of the most important steps in jewelry manufacturing. This guide breaks down STL, 3DM, JCD, STEP, and OBJ formats so designers and brands can work seamlessly with their production partners.

July 7, 2026  ·  4 min read

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