Are there CAD designers for hire?

[MrsT]

Hello,

After making a decision to use a PS vendor I submitted a quote request and received an email stating I should to go elsewhere. Um, that hurt. I get it, they're busy, but that didn't feel right to me. It must be me, and maybe I have too many uncertainties with what I'm trying to do. I said to myself, I need a designer/advisor to help me create my ring so it makes sense.

I was wondering if you could hire a designer?
The designer would help solidify all my ideas and then draw it up ready for the maker.

I would feel so much better having all the details hashed out before I meet with the jeweler who will make it. I'm the creative type and like to get involved with the process.

Some local jewelers will do the service for no charge and others charge $500 for the CAD drawings and apply the amount toward purchase. That sounds like a lot to me and causes hesitation due to worry that I might not mesh with the jeweler's interpretation of my vision.

I tried a google search and didn't have much success.

Mrs T

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I really think it needs to be a one stop shop that will help you with the design, do the cads, and make the ring. We have seen many times here where a customer and vendor are not a good fit. Some vendors prefer to make particular things and say no when a project does not match what they prefer doing. So do not take it personally! Just contact another vendor!

 

[D&T]

Sorry that one vendor has turned you down.

Seek a new vendor. as trying to find a CAD designer then turn around to find a jeweler would be difficult probably time consuming and more costly in the long run.

If you have an idea of what you are trying to do, you could post it here, and many may be able to recommend a jeweler based on your aesthetics.

I would recommend David Klass, as he doesn't make you pay for a CAD upfront, but he's seemingly busier and busier so getting a hold of him might take a few tries and a call.

With David, I am able to find some pictures put my thoughts in writing along with the pictures, and he seems to know what I want with a few tweaks after the CAD has been produced, but my pieces have not been elaborate in design work.

 

[MollyMalone]

If you post some pics of the kind of ring you'd like (and give us a ballpark figure of your budget) that would enable people to make "one stop shopping" jeweler recommendations that are in sync with your vision and wallet. E.g., if you want a bold tension setting, McTeigue & McClelland would not be a good fit

Also, do you think you might like to have a face-to-face, initial design consultation; if so, you might consider starting a new thread soliciting recommendations with the name of the city/town where you live or work in the subject header.

 

[arkieb1]

Yes there are, I agree you are probably better to work with a jeweller and one, and which one you go with will depend upon what type of ring you want made?

 

[JoshuaNiamehr]

Usually a sketch will help the CAD modeler implement your vision. There are places like fiverr.com that might be a cheap and easy way to get a model done that may not be necessarily for manufacturing but as far as aesthetics are concerned may be practical - cheap and no commitment to any specific jeweler and then you can had that off to the jeweler of choice.

If not, work with a jeweler who wont charge you or will refund your deposit if you're not satisfied.

Usually jewelry designers want to work around specific diamonds (center stone, sidestones) and ring sizes, as changes/redesigns cost time. Do you have that all sorted out?

Also - CAD modeling and the tools CAD modelers have at their disposal have sped up the process to a point. But being succinct in your wants/needs and design is paramount to this.

 

[susief]

Did they tell you why they thought you should go elsewhere? Did they indicate it was because your vision is not developed enough, or could it be simply that they did not have the skills to carry out what you wanted / specialise in a different style, etc?

Personally I would prefer the jeweller making the ring to be the one to do the CADs, so they could keep it within the limits of the competence of their bench iyswim.

I am using a local jeweller for a custom ring using CAD. They make all their own settings so I looked through their inventory and picked the closest thing they had to what I wanted, then we tweaked it from there. That gave me confidence that they could actually deliver what I wanted.

 

[MrsT]

Thanks for the suggestions. Just revisiting my topic. Appreciate the feedback.
Mrs T

 

[diamondseeker2006]

What style ring are you wanting to make and what is your budget for the ring? That will help us match you up to the best ringmaker/designer for your project.

 

[ChristineRose]

There are loads, but if they don't specialize in jewelry, they won't have any idea of what can and can't be done.

If they do specialize in jewelry they probably work with a particular shop already and you're back to picking the right jeweler.

I think you will find it easier to identify jewelers who do your sort of work and then let them use their CAD designer.