The jewellery industry is witnessing unprecedented upgrades and new developments in the kind of tools, equipment and technology available to jewellery designers and manufacturers today, including 3D printing and laser sintering, to name a few.

Powered by computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology, 3D printers are reshaping the future of jewellery design and manufacturing. Jewellers utilise CAD software to digitally design a jewellery piece, make quick alterations or variations, and then a CAM equipment like 3D printer to produce prototypes, which can later be cast. 

This new process is viewed by many as an easier, faster and more cost-effective way to produce jewellery.

Laser sintering is also making waves in jewellery manufacturing. It involves using laser to melt powdered metal such as gold, platinum or silver, layer by layer into the shape of a piece. According to the Gemological Institute of America, this technology – while promising – is quite expensive and still very new. It could however eliminate the need to create a wax or plastic model for casting.