i.materialise has released a Top 10 3D Printed Jewelry design list for 2016. The company is noticing that 3D printing is becoming more essential for jewelry designers, and it reports continuing to receive jewelry orders in “bronze, brass, sterling silver, or even 14k/18k gold and steel.” Here, we review i.materialise’s recently released Top 10 list, which includes two designs each from established designers Desmond Chan of Vulcan Jewelry and Chris Dwyer, as well as original work from less established, up and coming designers, too.
1. Wedding Rings and Silver Cross Necklaces (Vulcan Jewelry)
If you know anything about Vulcan Jewelry’s Desmond Chan, then you already know he’s a 3D printed jewelry designer who has already received recognition for his unique pieces — like a Salvador Dalí-inspired series of crosses and a kinetic ruby ring. Here we see that he’s turned his interest in rings into another original idea: a silver chain woven inside wedding rings to create a Silver Cross Necklace. This versatile idea is great for people who don’t always want to wear their wedding rings on their hands, but still want them close to their hearts.
2. Frost Pendant (Dimriver)
Dimriver is a Helsinki-based design studio that has created this popular Frost Pendant. This pendant features a geometric design intentionally crafted for contrasting colors due to the pendant’s high glossy surface and antique finish that leaves small markings. The pendant is conveniently available here on the i.materialise site for $102.82.
3. Beetle Cufflinks (Mateease)
If you check out Mateasse’s website, you will see that the company offers both 3D printed designs, including these Beetle Cufflinks, and tea-related products. An interesting combination indeed. In addition to butterflies and dragon flies, beetles grace many of the company’s jewelry designs: there’s a beetle pendant, beetle bracelet, and a few variations on a theme of cufflinks — as seen in the below picture. Definitely a different idea from the usually boring cufflink designs, these beetles are popular over at i.materialise, where they can be directly purchased from Mateease’s shop for $38.79.
4.Berlin City Skyscape Ring (Ola Shekhtman)
One of the attractions to 3D printed jewelry is its ability to accommodate design details well, and this is definitely the case with this ring from Ola Shekhtman, whose beautiful Cityscape rings we’ve admired before. Berlin’s Brandenburger gates, the Reichstag and the Berlin Cathedral are all featured on this ring intended for Berlin lovers, and it is available here for $103.69.
5. Heart Construct (Pawel Finke)
Sometimes nothing says “I love you” better than a simple wearable heart — as opposed to an elaborate piece of jewelry that may be too fancy for everyday wear. Pawel Finke brings us this 3D printed simple brass heart — available for $45.21 — intended to be worn on a chain as a pendant. It can also be a pocket keepsake, serving as a constant reminder that you are truly loved.
6. Tree Ring Pendant (Chris Dwyer)
It’s fitting to have this tree-inspired design from Chris Dwyer 3D printed in steel. After all, a tree with considerable rings is time-tested, and steel is tough as well. Rougher in appearance, the design’s concentric circles are subtle, yet still visible, as the chain links to the pendant from behind to give it a nice, full look.
7. Mjolnir Key Chain (Chris Dwyer)
Next, we have yet another design from Chris Dwyer based on the Norse God Thor’s hammer. This hammer functions as a key chain, paperweight or simple token of mythological power, and is available for $44.75 at Dwyer’s i.materialise shop.
8. Granule Band Ring (Jenny Baker)
Jenny Baker is a London-based designer who offers this delicate and simple ring that is only 2 mm in width and 3D printed in glossy sterling silver. Available for $50.44, this is a good piece that proves the point that “sometimes less is more.”
9. Chinese Tiger Zodiac Ring (Vulcan Jewelry)
This tiger ring design from Desmond Chan stands in stark contrast to Jenny Baker’s minimalist ring above — for a completely different effect that is just as dazzling in its overall design. Available on the Vulcan Jewelry website in different materials, the ring features the Tiger, one of the 12 year animal cycles that form the basis of the Chinese zodiac.
10. Tusk Pendant (Artists Against Ivory/Elle Anyoux)
If you follow news about the ivory trade then you already know that it is highly controversial, as whole animals, like rhinos and elephants, are slaughtered for just a small portion of tusk on their bodies. Artists Against Ivory, with Elle Anyoux, provide a striking alternative to wearing tusk with this pendant 3D printed in yellow gold-plated brass. This is a great gift for anyone who loves elephants but knows better than to support such a controversial trade in animal tusks.
By now i.materialise has made a good case for the idea that 3D printed jewelry is growing in variety and sophisticated design details, so head on over to the website to check out these — and other — jewelry designs. Fill us in on your favorite designs, and discuss further over in the i.materialise Top 10 3D Printed Jewelry Designs forum over at 3DPB.com.