Learn to 3D Print Your Own Jewelry Through Online Class

Jewelry-making is a complicated, time-consuming and expensive craft. Or, at least, it was until 3D printing came along. For aspiring jewelry makers, many doors have recently been opened. 3DPrint.com has done several stories on 3D printed jewelry in the past, showcasing some of the most beautiful and creative works being made. For some examples, just look at some of the stunning creations available on Shapeways. If you’ve ever considered trying your hand at 3D printing some jewelry, you can now learn how from the comfort of your own home.

Shapeways shop owner Paul Liaw, whose gorgeous, intricate jewelry can be found in his shop NeoNouveau, is offering an online jewelry-making class from October 5th to December 13th of this year. The class will offer a weekly video that can be watched at the student’s convenience, and will teach users to create earrings, bracelets, rings, cufflinks and pendants. Elements from ZBrush and Maya will be combined, and participants will learn to take their ideas from concept to physical, printed object.

Liaw, a digital sculptor whose creations recently appeared in the film Jurassic World,  has been working in 3D modeling for over a decade. The transition into 3D printing came naturally. He became interested in jewelry making after seeing a coworker design and print his own wedding ring.

“I always knew when it was my turn I’d make my own,” he says. “Months of work and research later I made my ring.”

He then went on to create an extensive gallery of designs. His interests lean towards nature-inspired designs and European influences, and he plans to introduce students to a variety of materials.

“If you want to get into jewelry-making, this will definitely be a very good overall course,” he says. “It will really save you a lot of time, with the research and all that…I’ll just walk you through it.”

He is excited about the potential for 3D printing to simplify jewelry-making, and to make it more accessible and less expensive.

“You don’t need a whole workshop,” he says. “You just need to be able to do it on a computer, and know the boundaries.”

Check out the video below for more of Liaw’s thoughts on the field and details on his class:

Per the class website, the benefits of the course include:

• Weekly “on-demand” video training class. Watch the lessons at your convenience
• Live Q&A session every Tuesday, 5-6 PM PST
• Project based homework
• Personal homework video feedback  from the instructor. Each student receives individual attention and weekly critiques
• Weekly live teacher “Question and Answer” session. This is your chance to ask the teacher questions and watch live demos
• Students receive a 15% discount on 3D Hubs printing services
• Students also receive a discount from Shapeways on their first jewelry 3D print
• One year access to the instructional videos

Owning a 3D printer is not required to participate in the class, but students will need access to Pixologic ZBrush and Autodesk Maya software. The registration fee is $750, or $699 for early registration. Space is limited, and registration closes on October 2nd.  Do you plan on taking part in this class?  Let us know in the Jewelry 3D Printing forum thread on 3DPB.com.