2-D vs. 3-D CAD Software Comparison

By Jeff High

I would like to share some personal thoughts on the relative differences and strengths of selling, designing, and building jewelry using 2-D and 3-D CAD software for jewelry.

How 2D Works

2D software uses images called bitmaps. These consist of blocks of color stacked together to make a picture. Each image can be “in-scale” with the others, making them easy to size for basic design and layout. The images can be very lifelike, but only show one view at a time, usually a top view. The versatility of 2-D allows images to be taken from anywhere. Printed catalog items, existing items, or inventory lists can all be captured easily. Having this starting image makes the task of modifying it much easier. A limitation of 2-D is that only one angle at a time can be captured and altered, similar to a pencil sketch.

How 3-D Works

3-D software uses computer-generated lines, surfaces, or solids to create 3-D models of a jewelry item. With a 3-D model, you can assign specific metals, gems, and colors to make a rendering. These renderings can be very realistic and can be generated and viewed at any angle around the item. Modeling in 3-D is very different from drawing or designing in 2-D. The 3-D style of drawing has a higher degree of difficulty than 2-D. Although each 3-D program has ways of tackling these tasks, none of them is a causal effort.

What 2-D Can Do For You

In the retail jewelry world, most of your time is spent trying to get the customer to say “Yes!” to your proposed design. The length of time required to get that “Yes!” can be greatly reduced using 2-D software; it clears up about 95% of the communication problem by allowing customers with limited jewelry knowledge and experience to actually visualize the exact design you are trying to sell them. In looking at the newer 3-D products, be wary of people trying to criticize 2-D to help sell their 3-D product. This is a big misunderstanding of your needs and the strengths & weaknesses of the software. If a big part of your day is working directly with customers, it’s hard to beat the ease and quickness of 2-D software.

What 3-D Can Do For You

3-D truly represents a new era in the jewelry business. It is now possible to design something in exact detail, accurately sized, and have it built to exact scale. You can test ideas, try different variations, and see every aspect of the model. Once complete, your model is ready to go to a CAM machine to be created. The wax will be near perfect in every detail. The most important issue in using 3-D technology is your dedication to learning the program. You have to practice and spend time to get good at it, just like any other art form.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2-D & 3-D Software

Can I build the item on a computer-controlled machine?

If building items is your main focus, the only way to go is a 3-D program that is suited to the type of work you are doing. Be prepared to spend time with each model. No matter how powerful the software, you will spend hours building. It's similar to working at the bench time-wise, but here you can quickly change your design, save it, and edit it for future use.

How can I present the design concept to the customer?

Both 2-D and 3-D products work for this, but 2-D really shines here due to the speed. If you need to make the sale in minutes, 2-D can create even complex designs quickly using any item or image you have in stock. However, 3-D is also a very powerful selling tool. The “wow” factor to spin the item on the screen is very powerful. Getting there is the harder part, but there are many items that you can build quickly that are very impressive. One drawback is the very thing most people use to sell with: actual items in stock. Building every item that you will ever need is a tempting idea, but would take too much time to complete.

Can I design very detailed original items?

Although this can be accomplished by both systems, I would give the edge to 3-D. The level of detail is astonishing, as is the ability to see multiple angles when designing.

How should I design a matching band to an existing engagement ring?

I would recommend 2-D every time. Getting the item in the system and making that band should take less than 15 minutes to do three versions with 2-D. The customer can fill in details as they see it visualized.

Can I create an entirely new jewelry line?

3-D is the way to go. Using the tools in the 3-D world to create a new line is very powerful. You can explore every design idea and have the ability to make the item after designing. You can calculate the weight of an item in all metals and even build in the seats for setting. 2-D does have some strong points, as you can use it to take your best sellers in and then build from there.