Jewellers go digital

The rise of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) has brought about a revolutionary transformation of the jewellery industry, said Thomas Ng, core member of the International Association of Jewellery Merchandize Planning Professionals and representative of French software developer 3DESIGN.Speaking at the seminar, Mr Ng said that unlike in other industries, CAD and CAM applications only gained a major foothold in the jewellery industry from 2013, when global jewellery sales saw a downtrend following many years of solid growth. Manufacturers started looking more closely at CAD/CAM to develop new products and improve their craftsmanship.In response to the challenges faced by the jewellery industry, including high cost, small quantities and short lead times in the production process, new technologies using CAD/CAM software have helped improve efficiency and reduce costs. “It enables companies to break the distance barrier,” said Mr Ng. “It allows them to complete a design in one hour instead of 10 days and release it immediately around the world.”

Fundamental changes have also been seen in sales channels as the software used in online apps allows customers to custom-design their own jewellery, changing the colour, shape, stone and metal as they require. Meanwhile, new social media platforms are allowing companies to publish videos of their products instantly to target specific groups.

At the manufacturing level, the advanced development of 3D printing in the jewellery industry has largely benefited jewellers in the areas of prototype-making and mass production, explained Robin Wang, co-founder of Jiangsu Totus Technology Co Ltd.Reviewing the latest technologies used in jewellery 3D printing, he said printing with materials such as silver and gold has been regarded a breakthrough in direct production. “The key benefit is fast turnaround,” he said, adding that new printing technologies have largely shortened the manufacturing cycle, allowing higher precision and resulting in faster delivery times.However, Mr Ng pointed out that 3D printing for mass production has only gained traction among the giants of the jewellery industry at present, given the high cost of machines and the factory space required. He explained that as technologies advance in future, more jewellers could benefit from 3D printing.

Andrew Loo, founder of La Salle de Fabrication, told the seminar audience that his manufacturing company had developed a customised mobile app, which allows consumers to design their own affordable and unique jewellery. “Everyone can be a designer!” he enthused.Customers can design their own piece by simply describing it or providing a rough sketch to the company. Mr Loo said they can provide the finished product to clients within 10 days of receiving a design.His business targets mainly “office ladies” and the 50-60 age group, Mr Loo advised, adding that it aimed to use social media platforms to reach out to the younger consumer market.