New technology in jewellery making you should know about

Jewellery making has a long and rich tradition of different techniques and styles. And like most industries, it’s constantly evolving thanks to the introduction of new technology.

If you’re in the jewellery making industry, it’s part of your job to know about these new trends and innovations. Even if you’re not adopting new technology into your own business, it’s important to understand how new technology will affect the industry overall. 

To help prepare you for the future of the industry, check out these examples of new technology in the jewellery industry:

• Computer-aided design (CAD).
• 3D printing.
• Improved laser cutting.
• Electroforming. 
• Online shopping. 
• Augmented reality (AR).
• Smart jewellery. 

If you’d like a broader view of how to start a jewellery business, check out our other article, How to start a jewellery business in 11 steps.

Designing jewellery is a complex and intricate process that requires incredible attention to detail, so it’s no surprise that computer-aided design (CAD) is becoming a popular method in the industry. 

With computer-generated models, crafters can now render their designs faster and more precisely than they ever could before. The flexibility of computer-aided design allows designers to be more creative, too – they can copy and paste designs to try out different variations and alter tiny details in seconds. 

There’s seemingly no end to the applications of 3D printing, and now it’s found its home in jewellery design too. It all comes down to the way jewellery moulds are made. 

Traditionally, jewellery moulding involved making a rubber cast of the original model. But if the model needs alterations, then a whole new model and mould would have to be made. 

With a combination of CAD software and 3-D printing, manufacturers can make new resin moulds much faster than before, saving time and money.  

It wouldn’t be a technology list without mentioning lasers. And while lasers aren’t necessarily new in the jewellery industry, the latest advancements in laser technology enable all sorts of new practices. 

Higher precision allows for more detailed decorating, engraving, and cutting, but lasers are also improving security. 

Now, jewellers can cut microscopic markings on their pieces, making them easier to identify and harder to sell if they’re stolen. 

Electroforming is a chemical process that allows jewellery makers to build up metal layers around all sorts of different items. With electroforming, you can gradually add a thick layer of metal to pretty much anything, allowing you to turn it into jewellery. 

The process is slightly different depending on whether you want to add gold, silver, or platinum. Still, it’s the perfect way to create unique, personalized jewellery for customers. 

Technology isn’t just changing jewellery-making practices. It’s also changing the ways businesses can advertise and sell their products.

Now, jewellery businesses can operate entirely online thanks to the range of e-commerce options.

It presents a far more convenient, cost-efficient option for customers and retailers. Plus, with the effects of COVID-19 still restricting public life, online shopping is an increasingly popular option. 

There are dedicated sites, like Etsy, where crafters can set up and sell their hand-made jewellery. There are also general online stores, like Amazon and eBay.

Then, there are other general e-commerce sites that anybody can use to create a functioning, professional-looking website, like Wix, Shopify, and Squarespace. 

And let’s not forget the massive impact that social media has had on online business. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are the perfect place to increase your online visibility and connect with potential customers. 

You can even set up business profiles, allowing you to create targeted ads and sell your jewellery straight from one platform. 

Following our last point, one of the main disadvantages of online shopping is that customers can’t try things before buying them. Of course, one solution is a free return policy, but AR is a much better option.

AR took off thanks to Snapchat, allowing users to apply many virtual filters to their pictures and videos. But it wasn’t long before the cosmetic industry saw AR’s potential. Virtual makeup is already a great way for customers to try new looks quickly and hygienically. And now the jewellery industry is showing interest too. 

The plan is for online shoppers to try on any piece of jewellery without ever leaving the house, leading to more sales and fewer returns. 

The perfect intersection between style and functionality, more and more consumers are embracing technology inside their jewellery. 

The success of Fitbits and Apple watches opened the door to this next wave of smart jewellery. Alongside smartwatches, there are now rings, bracelets, and necklaces that you can connect to different wireless devices. This offers all the features of regular smartwatches, but in new and innovative designs. 

If you’re thinking about new technology to improve your jewellery making business, you can’t do much better than a business current account with built-in accounting software – accessible from one simple app. 

Countingup is the business current account with built-in accounting software that allows you to manage all your financial data in one place. 

Receive real-time cash flow insights to see exactly what’s in your account at any time, and use those those insights to create profit and loss statements. 

Cut down your bookkeeping time with automatic expense categorisation. Automatically record business expenses where they’re sorted into HMRC approved categories. 

You can also share your bookkeeping with your accountant instantly without worrying about duplication errors, data lags or inaccuracies. Seamless, simple, and straightforward! 

Start your three-month free trial today. 

Find out more here.