Those are all incredibly important topics that we never want to miss knowing about, as well as highlighting; however, sometimes we just need to kick back and enjoy something refreshing like oh…jewelry! From the most inexpensive to those bearing precious gems and made with precious metals, the 3D printing industry in regards to jewelry can be a fascinating place in which to work—and if you are a consumer, just dwell. With the acceleration of 3D printing into the mainstream, the jewelry industry overall was one of the first to embrace it—and firmly so.
We see new designs as well as software, hardware, and apps coming from nearly every corner of the world, but it sounds as if Australia is really hitting the 3D printers hard lately when it comes to making jewelry prototypes—and especially in the boutiques. These manufacturers have found a high-tech way to produce high-quality engagement and wedding rings on the high end.
The client base for this jewelry isn’t exactly budget seeking either. Those earning higher incomes in Australia are seeking out ways to find quality jewelry that they can have personalized. Designers and jewelers who can offer more intense customization services are the ones who are staying on top in a competitive market.
“That’s basically due to increased consumer demand for handmade unique products particularly for engagement rings and wedding rings,” said IBISWorld analyst Nick Tarrant.
3D printing works to the advantage of both the jeweler and the consumer in the areas of speed and customization.
“It allows them to produce a prototype in a short time frame and they can mold it to their design. They can adapt and refine that easily for the customer,” said Tarrant.
While prototypes do aid in and speed up the process, they may not always make it more affordable. In any case, revenues in jewelry manufacturing are continuing to rise. According to IBSWorld, they have been growing at a rate of about 3.5 percent per year, currently sitting at $2.3 billion. The high numbers come into play due to less mass production and more expensive, fine jewelry produced on the smaller scale. Most Australian manufacturers in the costume and fashion jewelry sector have to rely on boutiques as their strong point, as the alternative is highly challenging.
“With a lot of manufacturing industries in Australia, they’re facing a lot of import competition from these low-cost overseas manufacturers in China and throughout Asia that have lower overheads and can mass produce products for much cheaper than they can in Australia,” said Tarrant, explaining that many have left the industry due to pressure from other companies like China.
“I think, even with the low Australian dollar, the manufacturers of fashion/costume jewellery will continue to be under significant price pressure from firms from overseas,” said Tarrant, explaining that tariff reductions due to free grade agreements with China will help significantly as well—and especially in diamond jewelry.
It will be interesting to see how the use of 3D design and 3D printing are emphasized further in the coming years within Australia as more manufacturers—of all sizes—realize the benefits to be gleaned from 3D printing, from the self-sustainability and customization angles, to that of speed and versatility in materials. Discuss further over in the Australia Jewelers Use 3D Printing forum at 3DPB.com.
[Source: aap]