Lionel T. Dean is transforming the jewelry industry with his latest 3D-printed gold collection. The project titled 'Precious' includes pieces that range in aesthetics from modern to antique. For example, the 'Orbis' ring looks as it sounds, like a futuristic orb with mathematically symmetrical latticework. Meanwhile, the 'Collect' bangle appears to be an heirloom, with a delicate chalice and a golden tea kettle as charms.
The Precious collection emphasizes modern jewelry-making that uses a digital manufacturing process allows designers to achieve results that couldn't be attained by hand. For instance, 3D-printed gold jewelry can result in more affordable pieces because they can be made with very thin hollow spaces.
While the industry has used 3D-printing relatively consistently for molds, there is a hesitation to print directly with metal as a part of the artistic process may be lost. Lionel T. Dean is demonstrating that with the loss of some aspects of the design process, others are gained.
3D-Printed Gold Jewelry
Lionel T. Dean's 18 Carat Gold Designs Could Change the Jewelry Industry
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Jewelry - Jewelry companies can explore creating unique and new designs with 3D-printing, potentially creating more affordable pieces.
2. Digital Manufacturing - Adopting a digital manufacturing process presents the opportunity for jewelry-makers to achieve results that couldn't be attained by hand.
3. Modernizing Traditional Techniques - Incorporating digital manufacturing in traditional jewelry-making methods can create pieces that are modern yet timeless.
Industry Implications
1. Jewelry - Jewelry-makers should explore utilizing 3D-printing in the manufacturing process as it can offer more affordable pieces while still maintaining quality and unique designs.
2. Manufacturing - Digital manufacturing presents new and disruptive opportunities for jewelry-making, requiring companies to adapt and embrace these new techniques to stay competitive.
3. Art, Design, and Fashion - Integrating digital manufacturing into artistic industries has the potential to make traditional methods more efficient and creates fresh and unique designs to keep up with the evolving trends.