The 3D-printed model is placed in a flask, covered in plaster investment, and burned out in a kiln. Molten precious metal is cast into the resulting negative cavity. Jewelers then clean, assemble, set stones, and polish the final piece. Industry-Standard CAD Software for Jewelry

Once approved, the CAD file (typically an .STL or .3DM file) is sent to a high-resolution 3D printer. The printer builds a physical model layer-by-layer out of castable resin or wax. 5. Casting and Finishing

Gold costs $60+ per gram. A design that is 0.5mm too thick can waste $100 in materials. CAD allows you to assign a density (e.g., 14k Yellow Gold = 13g/cm³). The software calculates the exact gram weight before you cast it. You can hollow out the back of a heavy pendant to reduce cost without changing the appearance.

: Because of the precision required for such an unusual fit, the jeweler used CAD to: the complex geometry from every angle before casting. Print a prototype

Software allows designers to measure components down to the hundredth of a millimeter, ensuring perfect symmetry.