Why CAD software choice matters
CAD software can make or break the creative process, especially when it comes to jewelry design. Many options exist, but not all can handle jewelry design, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
This article will cover several key players in the field, while highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. That way, designers can make the choice that’s best for them.
Rhino 3D
Rhino 3D is a name that pops up in almost every conversation about CAD software, especially in the jewelry industry. Founded back in the late ’70s, it’s one of the originals. Unfortunately, that legacy also means its interface looks like something straight out of the ’70s. It’s clunky and not particularly intuitive, especially for newcomers.
However, Rhino’s functionality is vast, and it’s used across various industries from architecture to automotive design. Though this broad appeal is its downfall when it comes to jewelry design.
Since Rhino tries to be a jack-of-all-trades, it often ends up being a master of none. While it can handle jewelry design, it wasn’t built specifically for it, and that becomes obvious once you start using it. You’ll find yourself needing additional plugins or add-ons just to make the software more user-friendly for jewelry. This means more learning curves and expenses on top of the already steep learning process.
Unfortunately, Rhino’s documentation isn’t exactly beginner-friendly. Without formal training (which often comes with a hefty price tag), figuring out Rhino can be extremely time consuming and frustrating. It’s an investment of both time and money, with licenses starting at $1,000.
On top of that, it’s only available as a downloadable application, which can be limiting.
Matrix CAD
Matrix CAD software is the Rolls-Royce of jewelry design software, but it also carries a Rolls-Royce price tag. Starting at around $5,000, It clearly targets top-tier designers and luxury jewelry brands like Tiffany & Co. and Cartier.
But there’s a catch: Matrix CAD isn’t actually a standalone program. It’s an add-on for Rhino, so you first need to invest in Rhino and learn how to use it before you can even touch Matrix. That’s quite the financial and mental commitment for most designers.
Once you have both, Matrix offers an array of jewelry-specific tools and features. It’s a powerhouse for serious professionals, but it’s overkill for anyone just getting started or working on smaller-scale projects. Like Rhino, it’s a downloadable application, so you won’t have cloud or on the go flexibility either.
ZBrush
ZBrush is a bit of a wildcard when it comes to jewelry design. Originally developed for animation, it brings a more artistic, freeform approach to 3D modeling. If you’re someone who likes to sculpt and experiment with virtual clay, ZBrush might appeal to you. However, its roots in animation mean that jewelry-specific tools are noticeably absent. You’ll likely need to either create your own tools or purchase additional ones, which isn’t always ideal.
Despite that, ZBrush offers a unique creative experience that isn’t as rigid as Rhino or Matrix. It’s perfect for those who like to push the boundaries of traditional jewelry design, but if you’re looking for a straightforward CAD tool tailored to the jewelry industry, ZBrush will require some workarounds.
Blender
Blender is the open-source alternative in the CAD world, and its biggest appeal is obvious: it’s free. That alone makes it a tempting option, especially for beginners or independent designers working on a tight budget. Like ZBrush, Blender is primarily geared toward animation and 3D art, but can be used for jewelry design with some dedication.
The learning curve is steep, but thanks to the large community behind Blender, there are countless online tutorials and resources to help you get started. That said, don’t expect jewelry-specific features right out of the box. You’ll need to create your own components like jump rings and stones, which can be time-consuming. If you’re willing to put in the time, Blender can be a powerful tool, but it’s not a plug-and-play solution for jewelry designers.
Pencil
Pencil is a browser-based CAD app that’s new in the space, designed specifically for jewelry creation. Unlike traditional software that requires long training times and steep price points, Pencil is lightweight, accessible, and built for modern jewelry designers or manufacturers who want flexibility.
One of Pencil’s standout features is that it’s entirely web-based, so you can create manufacturable designs from anywhere. The design process is fast enough that you can even make on the spot designs with clients and customers. It provides a highly intuitive interface that caters specifically to the needs of the craft, eliminating the learning curves found in Rhino or Blender.
While Pencil may not have the extensive range of features found in Matrix CAD or Rhino 3D, it’s perfect for retail jewelry stores, small studios, independent designers, or anyone looking for an easy-to-use platform that will quickly bring their ideas to life. It’s also significantly more affordable than other programs, with tiered pricing based on feature access, Pencil allows designers to pay for just the tools they need.
It’s a great, scalable option for newcomers and established professionals alike.
