With only a few days left until Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about this new love affair between the jewelry industry and 3D printing. They may seem like an unlikely pair at first, but they were always destined to find each other. 3D printing has made waves in the design and architecture world but it now sets its eyes on the jewelry industry.
Jenny Wu, a Harvard educated architect, author and teacher saw potential in this duo and ran with it. She traded her industrial-sized designs for smaller scale pieces to satisfy a niche market for 3D printed modern jewelry.
Her jewelry line called LACE includes rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings made of nylon, stainless steel and various precious metals. LACE, created entirely through 3D printing, reflects Wu’s modern architectural style with line-based geometry and intricate organic movement making for eye-catching wearable pieces.
The process is simple: sketch, scan and print. 3D printing however is a bit more complex; it involves an additive manufacturing process where the piece is printed in layers. This doesn’t only accelerate the manufacturing, but it also lowers costs by creating each piece as one. No hooking, assembling, or welding tiny components are required! Not the mention the custom tailoring that comes with 3D printing.
This doesn’t only change our perception of jewelry and how it can be made, but it once again shows how technology continues to push creative boundaries. This jewelry-3D printing love affair is a match made in heaven and one we believe can only get stronger with time.
