Digital Jewelry Design
A home computer can be a useful tool for creative individuals who want to design their own customized jewelry. Photoshop can be utilized by both novices and advanced users to create beautiful jewelry designs. In addition, many specialty programs allow you to design your jewelry as well as to print photos and information about manufacturing the design. Here is an overview of the process, and a few tips to help you get started.
Types of Specialized Programs
If you plan on designing jewelry frequently, you might consider purchasing a professional computer software program that enables you to use 3-D imagery to design your dream jewelry. Ringcad Ltd., for example, allows you to create custom wedding rings and engagement jewelry. The program uses thousands of ring variations, such as different stones, settings, and metals, and generates real time images that you can save and print. People with experience in computer-aided design might consider a program like ViaCad or Gemvision that will enable them to create an almost endless array of jewelry options.
Using Photoshop for Designs
Jewelry design hobbyists and web design professionals alike can use Photoshop or another graphics program to design jewelry. While it might not have as many features as one of the more expensive specialized programs, it can be a great solution for those who only occasionally plan on designing jewelry. This tutorial offers an easy to follow, step-by-step overview of designing a necklace for those with fairly advanced Photoshop skills: http://oogletutorials.com/photoshop-basics/design-a-gold-necklace-with-gemstone-jewelry-making-tutorial
If you have more modest Photoshop skills, you can search the web for an image of a jewelry design similar to your dream piece. Download this image, import it into Photoshop, and use the program to make any additions and modifications you desire.
Considerations
It is important to set a budget for your jewelry project before beginning your research. Take into consideration whether you will be designing jewelry to sell, as a hobby, or as a one-time event. Professional jewelry design programs are expensive so it might not be worth it if you do not plan on using the software on a regular basis. Once you have created your design, you will need to print it and take it to a jeweler who can make your creation. Most jewelers are more than happy to work with clients to produce custom jewelry so it is wise to get quotes from several jewelers and choose the one that offers the best fit with your budget.
Types of Specialized Programs
If you plan on designing jewelry frequently, you might consider purchasing a professional computer software program that enables you to use 3-D imagery to design your dream jewelry. Ringcad Ltd., for example, allows you to create custom wedding rings and engagement jewelry. The program uses thousands of ring variations, such as different stones, settings, and metals, and generates real time images that you can save and print. People with experience in computer-aided design might consider a program like ViaCad or Gemvision that will enable them to create an almost endless array of jewelry options.
Using Photoshop for Designs
Jewelry design hobbyists and web design professionals alike can use Photoshop or another graphics program to design jewelry. While it might not have as many features as one of the more expensive specialized programs, it can be a great solution for those who only occasionally plan on designing jewelry. This tutorial offers an easy to follow, step-by-step overview of designing a necklace for those with fairly advanced Photoshop skills: http://oogletutorials.com/photoshop-basics/design-a-gold-necklace-with-gemstone-jewelry-making-tutorial
If you have more modest Photoshop skills, you can search the web for an image of a jewelry design similar to your dream piece. Download this image, import it into Photoshop, and use the program to make any additions and modifications you desire.
Considerations
It is important to set a budget for your jewelry project before beginning your research. Take into consideration whether you will be designing jewelry to sell, as a hobby, or as a one-time event. Professional jewelry design programs are expensive so it might not be worth it if you do not plan on using the software on a regular basis. Once you have created your design, you will need to print it and take it to a jeweler who can make your creation. Most jewelers are more than happy to work with clients to produce custom jewelry so it is wise to get quotes from several jewelers and choose the one that offers the best fit with your budget.