As 3D printing is rapidly becoming a preferred means of production for many jewellery designers, more and more artists are turning to it to create precious artworks that can be customized and 3D printed to order. Furthermore, the level of the products being offered is increasing rapidly. The latest to venture into this field, just in time for Christmas, is Edinburgh based duo John Edwards and Renate Kriegler Edwards, from high end designer brand 3D Creative Workshops, with their new 3D Luxury brand.
The first collection on 3D Luxury is a series of 12 pointed christmas baubles that can be made to order in 18 karat white or yellow gold and set with 12 GVS round brilliant cut diamonds measuring approximately 0.01 ct each, with a 1.3 mm diameter.
The Christmas collection includes rings, pendants, cufflinks, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Once the order is placed, the 3D Creative Workshops team goes to work on it, 3D printing it in wax to then cast it in gold, assemble it to specifications for size and hand-finish it.
“For years now 3D printing posed at once a threat, a challenge and an opportunity to the jewellery trade as we’ve come to know it,” John explained. “Suddenly it’s right here. Everyone’s got something to say about 3D printing, and the resolution has finally reached fine jewellery scale. While 3D CAD modelling skills remain a general barrier for many craftsmen, the real struggle lies in post-production: contrary to popular belief, 3D printers don’t produce polished jewellery!”
While John and Renate stress the value of the work done in post-production, the creative phase is no less important for fully exploiting the potential of 3D printing technologies, even as a complement to lost wax casting processes. The 12 points and diamonds that characterize the jewels are likely the result of a deeper search, as the number 12 is representative of the Christmas celebration, relating to both the number of Christ’s apostles and – as the song goes – the number of days between Christmas and the Epiphany.
“While our futuristic yet enduring designs explore new frontiers with 3D printing, we have our feet firmly on the ground as we hand-finish each piece to perfection,” Renate adds. “3D Luxury invites the consumer to participate in the production of items of quality and integrity, rather than the ubiquitous plastic frivolities that 3D printing throws up everywhere.” The prices of the collection reflect the work and dedication that goes into each artwork, with yellow gold pendants starting at £2700 and white gold cufflinks going for as high as £5000. Not for every pocket but if it was it would not be special.
