This innovative jewelry design software takes the core capabilities of Rhino 4.0 to a whole new level. By harnessing the power of Rhino 4.0 and With the integration of T-Splines for Rhino technology, Version 7 of Matrix allows you to design luxuriously fluid jewelry without the labor of building the. This blog post will explain which 3D modeling programs are perfect for jewelry designers who want to print their products in 3D. Once you have found a software to create your designs in 3D, we can print them in gold, silver, bronze, brass or 100+ other materials and finishes.
10 questions that will help you compare the different jewelry design software on the market Today, our prospects are all facing the same question when it comes to choosing their. To the question « which is the best cad software? » we will provide key points for a complete jewelry design software comparison. You’ll find many solutions on the market; and through this article we hope you will be able to find your ideal jewelry cad software. Because we develop our own 3D cad software, our everyday job is to figure out how to make stand out of the mass and keep its position in the top-rated jewelry design software industry. Our solution must satisfy jewelry professionals, and that’s why we know what might be the questions you’re facing right now. Because of their use of pencils and gouache, jewelers’ access the digital world through 2D drawing and sketching Software: a. 2D design software for creative & artistic purposes Some of them are dedicated to art and graphic creation such as.
The latter, mainly used for photo touch-ups, artistic creations, sketches Even if you essentially work in 3D, we recommend these 2D tools to prepare your backgrounds, textures, and sketches. A good use case would be altering and editing your renderings for marketing purposes. 2D CAD software for technical & production purposes Other 2D CAD software, like AutoCad, Illustrator or CorelDraw will be more useful for technical drawings, millings, engravings or to prepare cuttings, through the use of vector technology. You’ll use this kind of software to design precise geometric shapes and texts. The way vectors work (as opposite to pixels), allows you to infinitely adjust, scale, and twist your shapes, lines & curves. Your creations / modifications can later be used to:. Establish the design of the model on a more technical aspect.
Choose how the elements will be cut during production. Prepare the end of production process by drawing patterns, making textures and writing texts to engrave on the jewel for personalization It just happens that Type3 also develops a software dedicated to the above tasks: Artistic or industrial. As an example, let’s say the size of the ring you’re designing needs to be modified.
Imagine how long would it take to sculpt another block of wax to get the model ready for production?With 3D, depending on the technology you choose, this job can be done in minutes. You can adapt (automatically or not) all the elements such as number of gems, prongs etc in relation to the new ring size. Then you send it to your 3D printer for prototyping. And the best about this, is that, in the same move, you can send a list of slightly different rings to your printer. This way your client will have options while trying them. Now, imagine that you want to create a collection, to show how creative you can be. In a traditional way, you would have to actually create the rings, then take pictures of them, and then contact a printer so you can get a nice leaflet to present your pieces.
Now, with 3D, you can create a or several models in a few hours, and then alter the models to create declinations. Modifying your models can even lead you to create pendants, bangles, and bracelets while originally you only had a ring!
Finally, you can generate incredibly realistic renderings helping you present gorgeous pictures of your models without losing time prototyping them. 2- Which Jewelry 3D CAD software is mainly used? 3D Software are like cars.
There are of many types. Do you need a family van, a Formula1, or a military tank? This depends on who you are, where you go and how often, with who or what you transport, etc. 3D Software with no required professional skills If you’re not a professional jeweler, you’ll find jewelry apps such as or that don’t require any jewelry skills and are open to anybody. Other versatile tools could be, with useful features and usable on the go. 3D professionals who aren’t working in jewelry business will find many solutions dedicated to their industry: there are software for product design, cinema, video games, architecture and so on.
Although you can still design jewels with them, it hardly can be done in a professional way or used every day as a jeweler. To go back to the car comparison, it could be like driving a cabriolet, in wild mountains, during the winter. You would get to your destination; but on some roads, you might have some difficulties.
Imagine doing it every day! 3D CAD Software for professional jewelers Today, in professional jewelry design, 4 main software are concerned: Matrix, RhinoGold, JewelCad, and our favorite (wink wink), 3Design. Complementary solutions exist:.
for organic modelling: you can use Zbrush, Clayoo, Tsplines or;. for High level renderings: DeepImage, Keyshot, VRay or Brazil. Popularity of each software and number of users vary among countries, depending on price, on market share, and on features each solution brings. Type3 for 3Design, 3Design’s editor is part of. Its main activity based on bringing solutions to engraving, marking, milling & cutting with rotary and laser CNC machines.
Type3 is the group brand dedicated to the software side of things: software that drive all these solutions. Working from the start with high jewelry designers, our solutions gap the bridge between artistic creation & industrial production. 3Design has been developed since 1999 to provide new innovative & advanced 3D technology to the Luxury industry. Because of our client’s high expectations, we made our path along high level technologies:.
We have developed our own 3D engine;. We chose parametric history;. We enabled MacOS & Windows compatibility;. We built a software capable of catering to high jewelry designers and professional artists. If we create something new, let’s make it in the best way possible.
Our independence gives us flexibility in terms of feature development and 3D engine progress. We dedicate 3Design and its growth to one sole mission: to support jewelers in their creativity and production.
Rhino Rhino is also the name of the 3D engine that empowers Matrix & Rhinogold. This software is developed for generic 3D purposes with no specific jewelry features. Hence, it is used versatility and use in many industries; though it’s mainly used for industrial product design and architecture.
Developed by Robert McNeel & Associates since 1980, this software has gathered a large community, due to the low entry barrier and cost. On the other hand, because of it’s adaptable, and multi-market nature, this solution isn’t as much dedicated to jewelry as the other software we mentioned. For example, the 3D engine (modeler) isn’t parametric and is mainly a surface modeler.
Although, Rhino is available in Windows or MacOS, such as 3Design; while Matrix & RhinoGold are only available on Windows. Stuller: Matrix & RhinoGold Gemvision, owner of RhinoGold, joined Stuller in 2015. Now owners and developers of these two software solutions, Matrix and RhinoGold, the company also provides parts and other services for jewelry production.
These both solutions are based on Rhino 3D engine meaning that Rhino must be purchased and installed first to run Matrix or RhinoGold. Since the 3D engine comes from Rhino, the development and construction constraints are the same as those of Rhino. With their parts library, you can design your creation in RhinoGold, and seamlessly send your design directly to their production department and get a quote.
A perfect strategy to enhance Stuller’s business. Everything you want to know on who is on Stuller website. Thanks to parametric, you can see that modifying a ring size is a two second task. You can, with the same process, duplicate the base model and only change one parameter on each of the duplicates. For example, the size of the gems, the number of baguettes, the shape of your setting, the color of the precious metals and stones: possibilities are endless! For experts, an advanced parametric mode exists and lets them produce jewels ready for personalization.
Model library Having access to a model library allows you to quickly pick and edit predefined elements and jewel parts. Such a library usually gives you access to profiles, clamps, ring settings, chains, shanks, and much more. Sometimes, jewelry software allows you to populate the existing library with some of your creations and elements; in other words, if you create a stone setting you like and want to use in the future, no need to do some exporting and importing. This function grants the user a deeper personalization of his work area (e.g. 3D jewelry software).
Of course, the library should remain accessible, offer a lot of different pieces and elements to work with, and be extensible, but it must not feel cluttered and complex. No one likes to spend ages looking for the piece they need. What we think, is that libraries are essential to start, and get your creativity going.
So, this implementation in a jewelry software is a good thing, allowing new 3D CAD users to jumpstart their production. However, creators shouldn’t only rely on pre-built libraries to design and manufacture jewelry. Indeed, and even if the library is extensive, there is only a limited amount of jewelry pieces you can create with given elements (and not counting the elements you’ll never use if you don’t like them). Organic Modelling By default, 3D CAD Software for jewelry design are usually not built for organic modelling: because they use geometric shapes to create volumes. However, since Jewelry design is widely inspired by nature, new tools have been built to cater to free-form creation. Instead of extruding shapes and curves, you can work on surfaces as if you were working with clay. A notable example could be, because of its direct integration into 3Design: both software can work on pieces, alternating between shape creator and organic modeler.
Indeed, organic sculpting and shaping is the core task of software such as 3Shaper. Another noteworthy software would be, a powerful 3D carving tool specialized in free form sculpting and texturing. This stand-alone software has made its reputation with talented 3D modelers and sculptors, using the software for many purposes and many industries: from cinema props to actual sculptures and statues. On the other hand, 3Shaper is dedicated to the jewelry industry – even if some users created cars and pieces other than jewelry in that software.
Functions such as pave, baguettes, prongs & settings This is the part where non-jewelry dedicated software fall short. These complex features aren’t easy or time-efficient to reproduce manually, even for professional CAD users. These kinds of functions are the must-have when you’re designing in a jewelry software. Indeed, most of them work automatically according to previously created elements, furthermore helping you conceive the ideas you have in mind.
Bas-relief design As the previous functions, this one isn’t easy to reproduce non-automatically. And even harder to do by hand.
Once again, the power of software and mathematics comes to the rescue! As seen on the picture below, Honeycomb designs can enhance your jewelry by allowing you to work on its hidden face.
This adds a layer of visual symmetry to the piece, while bringing more light to the jewels once the ring is finished. Stone reports, technical drawings, quotation Using a dedicated CAD jewelry software isn’t only about the 3D and the creation. Being able to establish precise reports for your personal records, technical drawings for better document classification, and quotations for clients to exactly know what they are getting and paying for.
Having these features included in the software makes it more professional, and helps the user feel he has a complete package. Renderings What you usually find in dedicated jewelry software, is an integrated rendering module: though it could be seen as useful and quite fast to use, you’re missing opportunities to create impact in your communication campaigns. Indeed, are the best bet when it comes to beautifying your models. You can easily modify the viewing angle to get the best light reflection, adjust the shining colors of the jewels, modify the textures and aspects of the body and stones, create an atmosphere, and animate your piece with props and camera movements. Overall make your design look more realistic, presentable to the final client. Due to the high-resolution output, renders can be used on websites, catalogues, advertisement, or video; making it the perfect marketing asset.
Comfort of the interface Finally, the right software isn’t always equal the most powerful one. A defining factor for a lot of people, and for long term users, is ergonomics, and what is called user experience: indeed, how the software presents functions, visual indications, parameters, and global aesthetics affect the user experience. Although this is quite subjective, we believe good ergonomics and ease of use are essential to a professional. Indeed, no one wants to spend 2 hours looking for the right function, or looking for workarounds to get the job done. We could group all of this down to visual and actual organization of the software. This factor can change the pleasure you get from using your.
Some companies build their product offer around these principles: making the products or services easier to use; and more appealing in general. We recommend you choose your 3D jewelry software solution you could see yourself using in 5 to 10 years. To make yourself an opinion on one of the leading software on the jewelry market, check out our. 5- Do I need one global solution or different specialized ones?
There has always been some compromises and opportunities when it came to choose the “perfect” solution. Sometimes, you can pay extra to have the “all in one” package, with seamless transitions between the functions. Or you can go the cheaper way, and parameter each solution to cater your needs. What’s important to note is that the latter option is often reserved to mode advanced users. Indeed, finding how to link applications and make them work in cohesion can often bring small issues. The upper side being that you can choose the software you wish to use; one that fits your needs and answers to expectations.
In some cases, buying a global solution isn’t the long-term choice – for example some all in one computers aren’t easily upgraded, and present only few advantages compared to a regular computer. But in other cases, global solutions can offer a combination of the best elements you can find for your usage and work. You must assess your priorities, what you already have, and obviously your budget in order to make your choice. 6- Can I try them? And how can I get a demo?
Trying a software is recommended during selection process of your 3D CAD Software. However, these kinds of tools aren’t so easy to discover by yourself.
We advise you to be helped, and there are many ways to it: a- Ask to a friend Do you have any friend or colleague with the software you want to try? Ask him if you can spend some time next to him.
Seeing how he works will give you hints on how you could organize yourself; plus, having a pair’s feedback is always useful. B- Go to a hands-on or a tradeshow Schools, events, open-door days, conventions, etc., you have a lot of opportunities to try these software for free, and you’ll benefit of a small training from the person who is actually a user. It’s a good way to meet other people like you, who are also looking for the perfect jewelry design software and exchange your thoughts, and questions. Most editors and distributors organize live web demonstrations – also called webinars – for new users and new clients to see.
You can choose the date that fits your calendar, plug in your headphones and be ready to take notes. This approach could be compared to a university class, in which a teacher presents a concept – here the software of your choice – to a class, and can answer questions. Many webinars can be found on the jewelry software editor’s website. Or in jewelry focused groups, on Facebook for example.
If you feel interested in a webinar, you can register to one about 3Design here – Get a personal demo from an editor or a distributor Of course, a private presentation of the software is the best way to get to know it. The trainer/presenter from the involved company will set an appointment with you and fine tune the demonstration to your needs and business.
This is surely the best kind of software presentation, thanks to the possible interaction with the professional. Although, be careful that you meet someone who will be able to provide the information you’re looking for. 7- What is the price of these Jewelry software? Where can I buy one?
According to your budget, and your career plans, several software will be available. Indeed, some are free, and grants you access to basic functions, or you can have the most dedicated 3D CAD software for jewelry and pay a price that looks more like a business investment (and which it is). Price range for the main 3D jewelry software:. Jweel, TinkerCad, Sketchup, Blender: Free. Rhino: $1200. RhinoGold, Matrix & 3Design around $6000.: prices are approximate and may vary with time. This price range can give you an idea of how much you will have to invest into this piece of technology, to get your hobby, or business running.
8- How to get more answers and help me in my research? Except from studying this article, – thanks for reading this far!
– there are multiple ways to gather and find more user answers and reviews about available Jewelry CAD software on the market. The most straightforward way is to visit user forums. You will easily find brand dedicated forums such as the, the, or more independent forums as, and even more. In addition to that, visiting the support or F.A.Q. Sections of the software are a good way to get answers to your interrogations.
It can also give you hints on how the jewelry CAD is backed by technical teams. Or how the brand expects to help you in case of an issue.
Another way is to physically go to, where multiple brands could expose their software. In addition to answering to your questions, the representatives could give you a short demo, as mentioned before. When travelling the internet, many people will have many opinions, so try to remain objective when finding many sources of information, as people can easily exaggerate, or emphasize arguments. 9- Which one is the easiest to learn? Learning how to use new tools can be experienced differently by several people. One could be a heavy CAD user, while another could be less experienced with computers, but nonetheless an expert jeweler.
The key element, in general, is the medium through which you learn. A software could be less powerful than some competitors, but the way it’s use is taught could dramatically change your perception of it.
Most of the people prefer getting training with an expert on the software, in a small group or privately; and this is what we recommend! Following tutorials on the web or reading manuals and documentation won’t teach you the way of designing on a 3D Jewelry CAD software. Even if you get tips and tricks, the difference is big. You could think: “but there are several websites that offer online courses and training courses about software!”. This is entirely true, but the courses are very limited, don’t cover as much topics, and lack dedication to the jewelry industry. 10- What kind of added services can I expect? To answer simply, it depends on the company and price you pay for the software.
Nevertheless, you can expect some common services, such as: Training In our opinion, this is the most significant of them. Training is always useful, especially when you’ve never interacted with one of that type before; and at the beginning. This could be compared learning a new musical instrument: developing good habits and having good practice since the start is the path to success and experience.
On the other hand, if you think it’s worth saving a bit of money on the training, you could try to train yourself: spending much more time finding your way around, having to crawl the internet in search for an answer to your question/issue, and eventually losing business opportunities. Editors aren’t the only ones able to provide training; software distributors and with the software’s teaching certification can offer courses and guides. Beforehand, you must check the levels the courses are dedicated to, so you can start from what you already know and increase your knowledge.
Production services This added service can allow jewelers and designers to quickly get their creations quoted and produced. Stuller is the perfect example for this, as they sell the jewelry software, and can print the prototype, cast, and crimp the jewel for you. Service bureaus If the latter service isn’t included with the software, you can still rely on the network of and casters the brand has developed: contacted the sales or support team, and sometimes visiting the website can provide you this kind of information. As are usually independent from software companies, they still need to have their software in order to receive and create the jewel prototypes. Checking if they do have the software you have, if they are able to print high quality prototypes is mandatory. Even better if the brand certified them.
Recommended requirements / Computer part advice Usually, the company developing the software are the best at knowing what works best with their software. In fact, they often recommend some specific computer parts – generally graphics card, processor, screen resolution – as a minimum configuration so the 3D CAD software runs smoothly. If this kind of information sound complex, you can directly contact the company you got the jewelry software from so they can advise you a machine; and sometimes provide some discounts with partnered computer companies. Furthermore, this doesn’t only concern your computer.
The peripherals, and additional tools could be suggested by that same software editor: it could have to do with 3D mice, 3D printers and 3D scanners. And there are a lot of them on the market. Support services from the editor Finally, and maybe the most common service a software editor could provide, is.
This has been noticed though the years, but jewelers and CAD users need the support the most on the first year they use the software. Indeed, training, if done, is still fresh; and final users are still in the software discovery state. Technical support is maybe the most critical part a 3D CAD software editor must deal with. As a matter of fact, bad technical support can often result in bad notoriety, which could easily lead to a loss of market shares if not solved. This service, most of the time free on the internet, sometimes comes at a price when you need to contact a technician.
Monthly, or yearly, this service comes in different packages, and vary from one company to another. Don’t worry though, details are often found on the website, or when you get in touch with a salesman. CONCLUSION To wrap this up, choosing the right software might take some time, but is worth it. Rushing to buy the first one that comes along, or that a fellow jeweler advises might end up into a waste of time and money. Do your due diligence, prepare your actual or future activity for this, pretty painless, integration, and start gathering information! And let’s hope this article helped you in a way or another to choose the software that’s right for you.
All this, so you could easily get your digital workshop up and running! Tl;Dr: Deciding what is the right software for you is defined by what you need as a jeweler, and what are your ambitions!
Matrix 3D Jewelry Design Software Matrix 3D Jewelry Design Software Created for jewelers by jewelers, Matrix is the most innovative jewelry design software for jewelry professionals. Harnessing the power of Rhino along with a jeweler-friendly interface, Matrix empowers you to design beautiful virtual 3D jewelry in a fraction of the time. Then output your file and make your design a reality.
Whether you are a retailer or a manufacturer, the tools within Matrix streamline the process of selling, designing, pricing, manufacturing and marketing jewelry. Multiple award-winning technology. Used by the world’s most famous jewelers. Taught at over 55 schools and universities. The most advanced tool for jewelry creation ever developed. The only choice for serious jewelry designers GEMVISION HIGHLIGHTS:.
With its headquarters in the United States and a global network of Authorized Dealers, Gemvision develops the best-in-class CAD technologies. More than just a ssoftware provider, Gemvision is the total business solution with product training and exceptional technical support. Since its founding over 20 years ago by a retail jeweler, Gemvision has always been a company of jewelers helping other jewelers use technology to express their creativity and enhance their bottom line. At Gemvision, innovation is our tradition.
People whine about the fact, that there is no demo for it, but i think they didn't sat down to think. A demo is only a demo, the true potential of the program will never be available in a demo. I am using Matrix for more then a month now, and i am discovering new combination of procedures every day. For a program this complex they better don't make a demo, because when people try it, they'll say: 'Ok.and that's all?'
Whit this program, only your imagination and skills are the limit. Ps: demo is for games! Programs have trails, which is a totally different thing.
It is amazing how quickly the “Matrix” from Gem Vision has changed our business. We played with Rhino by itself before we had purchased the “Matrix” software! Rhino by itself works very well and was easy to learn. My staff and I had the opportunity to go to a beta release of “Matrix 2.0” a few weeks ago in Chicago. We were all very impressed with the “Matrix”! When we had seen the Matrix’s menus and the way that they had applied jewelry jargon to it we knew we had to have it! In addition, being in a room with all the current user’s made us feel very comfortable about buying this product even with out a demo.
If you are a goldsmith who makes custom pieces, you will find this product indispensable. We have had the software for about three weeks and have not had “ANY TRAINING ON IT YET” and made more than 30 models already 10 of that have been casted,finished and sent to our clients. Using this software for me is like playing my favorite video game. Once you get going, you are hooked. I just want to say in closing that I have 17 years experience in the jewelry field. I also tried two other software packages that had demos. Sincerely, Mike Brodnick Secure Settings.
To consider Matrix a plug-in is only a technical term. When you have a program that has dozens of plug-ins - it’s a program. Matrix is a powerful tool, catering specifically to the jewelry trade for effective design and modeling. It has taken Rhino into a new dimension. The software is carefully planned out and made to handle tasks that would otherwise require hundreds of button clicks - let alone knowledge.
It is neatly flooded with builders that handle everything needed to make finished jewelry. The program takes you from concept to Finish - with applications to check for structural (modeling) integrity, weight estimates and rendering. The upcoming new version (I'm a beta user) 2.0 has features that I did not expect to see. They listen to their clients and apply the needs of the designer into the software. Matrix is designed to take you from concept to finish. One might say that if I can't test it is not worth it. I say if it's free it’s probably not worth while.
BTW: you can get a one on one online demo from these guys. Now, what’s a better way of experiencing the product and the support that GemVision offer? It's definately worth it's weight in gold. Having designed jewelry for the last 30 years, I know exactly how I want my tools to serve me. Matrix does exactly that - I visualize the final piece in my head and render it in Matrix just as I might create the item in wax or fabricate it in metal. The beauty is that Jeff and associates have anticipated all the bells and whistles I need to get the job done, and output an awesome finished image as well.
If you are serious about jewelry design, stop complaining about not having a demo - there is way too much here for a demo to ever communicate! Go to a trade show or arrange a presentation in your store. Matrix owners are unanimous in their 5-star opinions of this sofware - it's the whiners who haven't experienced it that are the losers. As far as my future in jewelry design.I will never pick up a pencil again.
I have been using the matrix product from the first beta versions to the release of version 1.0. The gemvision team has created a user interface for Rhino that is easy to follow, intuitive, and logical. With their software you can design complicated jewelry forms with precision and relative ease. The interface is setup with a number of tool bars and 'builders' to automate many complicated tasks. The tool bars are setup in such a way as to take you step by step entering the parameters you desire. When done, you hit the 'go' button and watch as Rhino builds your part. If you are unhappy with the result, you simply change the desired parameter and remake the piece.
This represents a huge timesaver over trying to make a model using a standard CAD package. The program is truly a work in progress as new capabilities are added frequently. I believe the gemvision team is committed to producing the best jewelry design software available. Many tasks that would be complicated to do using Rhino alone are simplified and automated in Matrix.
Customer support is unlike any software company I have worked with. They are always willing to help you get the job done. Once you have created your design in Matrix, it can be sent to any number of service bureaus to grown as a wax model for casting. What you see on screen is precisely what you get.
As with any CAD package there is a fair learning curve to master, however, the matrix software is designed by jewelers for jewelers. It is a fabulous product to get you designing in 3D. Customers are totally blown away by the rendered images of your design. I highly recommend the product to any jeweler, who is computer savvy, and interested in designing 3D jewelry. Williams Howard Williams Ltd. Oakville, Ontario Canada.
Matrix is not designed to replace Rhino, it is an enhancer. It is true that MOST things you could do with matrix could be done with just rhino, but in a much greater time frame. Gemvision has created a wonderful product. For those who are doubtful because there is no demo, you can do online video demos. But lets be real those who dominate the world of custom jewelery designs use Matrix. It is unbeaten. And each generation of the program far surpasses the last, and all competitors for that matter.
This makes all aspects of jewelery design easy and productive. We make Hundreds of custom designs a year with Matrix, and would not go with any other product. I have been a beta user of Matrix since 2001.
It is one robust plug in. The user interface is intuitive and easy to get around in. There are so many features that it does take commitment of time to master. I told my staff I am working on the computer from this day forward. That was two years ago and I learn more everyday. I have been designing jewelry for thirty years and this is the most exciting thing that has happened to jewelry design in that time.
The renderings sell pieces faster than we can produce them. Good training, a great manual (digital and paper), and a staff that always helps, makes this program the single best technology investment I have ever made. Matrix is helping to change an industry, just ask the Gemological Institute of America where it is being taught as of 2002. If you have the time to dedicate to using this CAD/CAM software it will give you a whole new set of tools.
This program ROCKS! To call it simply a plugin is a diservice. The guys at Gemvision have put together a wonderful product that would be worth twice the price. Jewelry is made with the greatest of ease and your client is able to see the design from any angle they could want. I made my money back on this product in a weeks period of time after training and the support is second to none. For those crying about no demos, contact the company and setup an online demo.
There is no way you could try to fumble on your own to run this incredible program. Thanks buddy, I have to say that the guys out at GemVision are some of the best in the business, they are always working very hard at providing products that work in real life retail situations and on top of that they are constantly trying to remove bugs, listen to others about their system,upgrade the software and are still always happy to help when you call. I don't get paid to say this but I'm sure that other users of the fine GV products can testify that GV is in a class by itself. Please forgive my enthusiasm (especially all the other great 3d programs out there)but my business is GV products and without their products (that we use everyday)I would not be able to take my concept in this direction,thanks guys, tell Jeff that the drinks are on me. Jewelspace is a fine product.if you can figure out the interface. It is extremely confusing, in my opinion, and in the opinion of others that I have talked to. However, YOU ARE NOT BUYING THE SOFTWARE.YOU ARE BUYING THE COMPANY.
I can not repeat this often enough. I have recently had a lot of interaction with the people at Matrix, and every contact that I have with them reinforces this message and makes me very glad that I bought Matrix instead of Jewelspace.
Matrix is totally committed to making their product into the 800 pound gorilla of the trade. They are constantly checking you out when you call them or talk to them and evaluating what to do with their product next to make it better. You will not know it when they talk to you but they are collecting information from you and evaluating you to know what to do and add to their program.
Look how fast the signet and class ring builder made it into the program. They are also adding pendant builders and other things. I can't wait to see what Matrix version 5 will be like.
By then they will have a device you place on your customers head and link to your computer and the customer will design their own ring (the one that they cant explain because it's in their mind) right on your screen in your store. I just finished my Matrix training 4 weeks ago, and have talked with no less than 5 people from Matrix from Jeff High, the President to Kent, the guy who is on this network, to my original salesman, to the network administrator, and others. They are there to help you. You may be able to get that type of relationship with another software company, but I seriously doubt it.
David D Bright David D Bright Jewelers. Use it wisely, and you will not be able to calculate the real value Matrix brings to you. Matrix is for serious jewellers & designers ONLY. The cost of the software is high but is affordable for jewellers who take advantage of CADCAM to maximize their biz. It is a shame that the person who keeps whinning in this review column did not have the brain to secure a gold mine with Matrix. He is too busy changing names logging in and out to give low review ratings.
Yes it is definitely one person's work and he definitely did not sound wise. If this software is too expensive, or is so difficult to get access to, then just stay away. Really, no one cares. However, those one-man 'no demo' shites brought about quite an amount of stories containing good uses of Matrix. For me, my design team has 5 liscenses of Matrix, 3 artcam, 3 cnc stations, and one thermojet from 3D systems. On average we produce 10-15 models a day, and that is much LESS than we can actually do.
We simply have more capacity than the demands from our current mix of clients. Matrix is that if you use it in right way, which is certainly no more difficult than other CADs, then it translates to high productivity (individual's output), high quality (photo-realistic rendering), and much lowered cost (no more handcrafting model scratch from a chunk of metal or wax). And these above-mentioned qualities are essentially what you need to be successful in today's competitive jewelry industry. Plus, the 'quantity-quality-cost down' ability of Matrix is UNMATCHED by other similarly priced jewelry design software.
Lastly, it's file output can be fast-prototyped in CAM with extreme precision and stability. Try the $3995 JewelCAD and you will find out why Matrix is superior in mucho ways. The Rhino platform is the foundation for the only intelligent solution for the jeweler interested in CAD today.
The professionalism and thoroghness of Gemvision is at it's best in the Matrix front end for Rhino3D. I spent four years teaching rhino to my students and all the time lusted after the Gemvision front end. My investment in their other products provided me with the confidence needed to make a capital expenditure that is by far the smartest investment I have made in the jewelry business. I cant say enough about the expert training and support, and the friends that I have made at Gemvision. You will not find a better solution dollar for dollar.
Email me with your questions, I would be proud to help you and Gemvision! Would you buy a $5,000 car without driving it? Would you by ANYTHING for $5000 because typewritten messages from no later than a year ago said you should? There's a message with a page for tutorials - try it, it's dead. I am extremely, totally absolutely wary of people who hide. Spammers hide.
I know Matrix is not spam, because I know someone who uses it. However, I'm not going to fly across the country to try your software, I'm not going to buy it sight unseen, I'm just not going to buy it, period. People are not stupid, don't treat them like they are. You'd sell 10 times as much if you'd price it for it's value is, and put the product on the market like everybody else in the world. I am 4th generation jeweler, BSc. In Electro-Mechanical engineering, MSc. In Computer science, MSc.
In Internet technologies and few other diplomas in Web development and Design The average person spends few seconds browsing web pages and of course more if you find something interesting to read or finding what you are looking for. If I am looking to buy this software, I'd like to go their website, read about the company, the product and try to find some reviews, and of course I'd like to try it out first, if I decide to buy the software, I'd like to click on the buy the product now, pay with my credit card and either download the product or have shipped to me.
As simple as that, no hassle, no sales people and now time wasting. I was really very much interested in buying the software but after searching their website and few others I couldn't find any prices, or direct links to where I can buy the software. I don't need a sales person to tell me what I am buying and for sure I don't have the luxury of time to waste with a sales person blithering for hours about how good the software is. I'd understand if the company worry about making a demo for people to try, but what I don't understand is why don't they sell their products directly from their website or at least state the cost. Almost all of the reviews here sounds like they were written by the company itself or someone been paid by the company to write them ( no offense to anyone ) ( I said almost – this mean not all ) Everyone talks about how good their support is, what the hell are you talking about.
Support for what???? How to install the software or how to use the computer or what. If you need support on how to use the software then you shouldn't be buying it My final verdict bye bye Matrix, I'd rather buy from a company that don't hide behind their sales people and for sure from a company who tell people how much their software cost. This company although might have a good product but they sound like a life insurance company who can only sell their products through sales people. I was privileged to be selected as a beta tester for Gemvision's Matrix software and have followed it through it's first public release in October of 2001. I have used other softwares, including Rhino for a few years now, but absolutely nothing on the planet compares with Matrix.
It is, of course, designed to create jewelry, but there is nothing that prevents its use for other intricate modeling as well. Having been in the jewelry business for 23 years, I feel I can safely say that Matrix is the greatest contribution to the jewelry industry since the invention of the torch, as far as I'm concerned. We are so pleased with the capabilities of this program, that we are re-organizing our entire design business around Matrix, complete with a showroom that highlights the capabilities of this fine program in action. Models that used to take hours with Rhino are now completed in minutes thanks to the great 'Builders' in Matrix. Instead of having customers 'return later', we build the basic design right in front of them as their eyes almost pop out of their heads! They don't see THAT at the store down the street, and it DOES close sales!
Using the final version of Flamingo, included with the program, the rendering capabilities are so good that our customers are often confused when looking at a rendering, thinking it is an actual photograph of an existing piece of jewelry. Reading back over this, it sounds like I'm a Gemvision salesperson, but if you are my competitor, PLEASE don't buy it!!!!
Of course, on the manufacturing side, Matrix's ability to directly export to a CNC mill or a rapid prototype machine is essential. I think most of us know by now, that if a company provides no or limited support for their products, we all become, well, unhappy. I am here to tell you that Gemvision Corp. Should be taken as the model for customer service. Whether it's a technical question about the product, a suggested 'fix', or just a 'how do I make?'
Question, the support people are always there to help, and I've ALWAYS gotten a problem solved very quickly, if not instantly. Like all the other excellent products Gemvision sells, the support is beyond compare. I see that a few others have given the product a low rating because of the lack of a demo.
I believe that problem is being addressed in some way, but Matrix is certainly not 'vaporware'! I won't comment on that mentality, but if you're serious about jewelry design, this is the tool to have.
We just bet a million dollar business on it. Thank you, Gemvision.
Wayne Emery Jewelry Design Studio. Once you know your ways around Rhino and Grasshopper you'll never consider ANY packages that actually, unless you know Rhino inside-out, weakens your skills by using several automatons built in, called builders etc., and force you in thinking by the restrictions of the programs on HOW it can do the job.
Never mind the lack of total control achieved only by using Rhino in a free environment. Yes, you can still use Rhino at will at anytime from within Matrix but you are not going to, because most of the Matrix user never really got to an advanced level in Rhino otherwise they would. Well, read the above statement.
Save your money, get on with Grasshopper and experience sheer power. I'm working at Beverly Hill Jewelers Mfg. And proficient with Matrix VI.Recently our boss upgraded software for seventh version and soon I understood that Matrix crew just decided to earn some extra money with minimal efforts. Instead of improving multiple annoying features, they just added many unnecessary new V-ray tools. For example: when modeller uses 'Gem on curve' tool, he/she is forced to change five default settings every time he/she wants to use that tool. If you want to use it multiple times in row this disadvantage becomes a huge annoying headache and significantly slows down the working process. So on, so on.
All that new V-ray features maybe are good, but for artisans they are less important than having fast and properly working tools. A few years back I became interested in 3 d modeling and learned about Rhino. I flew to Seattle and took a Rhino course at McNeel & Associates. I kept asking 'How do you build jewelry with it?' At the time, the course covered rubber ducks,objects, but no jewelry. Fortunately for me, the fine folks at Gemvision came to the rescue and developed an integrated jewelry design plug-in for Rhino that is second to none.
I am an original Matrix Beta User. I am a 3rd generation Jeweler and an accomplished jewelry designer.
I have tried other programs and I can honestly say that Gem Vision's commitment to customer service and quality of their product parallels the folks at McNeel & Associates. Matrix provides automated builders that save a tremendous amount of time. Remember that 3d is not for the timid and does take time. When questions come up, and they will; Gemvision is always there with support. I have known the President of Gemvsion, Jeff High and the rest of his incredible work force at the company for years. You will not find a better group of folks dedicated to integrating technology in the Jewelry Industry. If you are serious about jewelry 3d designing, Matrix is the one!
Arthur Gordon www.arthurgordons.com. I just have to respond by saying I have seen these Matrix guys at trade shows for years now. Their program is up and running on several computers and you are welcome to sit and play for as long as you want. Agreed a demo would be helpful but not having one does not preclude it from being a very useful and time saving program. If you are in the jewelry business certainly you attend trade shows and certainly you could explore this software at the major trade shows. If you are not in the jewelry business hmmm, why buy it?
Just get rhino for 1/10 the price. The bottom line is the program was worth the 5k, the support is top notch and I hope you don't buy it. More competition. First how can somebody rate this program a '0' when they never tried it. All they do is complain there is no demo. I used the program at a trade show for as long as I wanted to, then I bought it. THE GOOD NEWS: The plug-in is very well thought out for a person who wants to make jewelry.
It has a great library of profiles, rails, stones and more and more and more. If you want to dive in and create jewelry it is definately worth the money. I have had it for about 1 year and I am completely satisfied with the programs stability and fuctionality. The tech support is very helpful and they are not 'dry' when they talk. Call or email support questions have been answered quickly.
They did all the work so I could just make jewelry and sell it. I have made over 350 models with it.
Definatley paid for itself. THE BAD NEWS: If you want to spend a year learning Rhino before being able to make jewelry then don't buy this. It is a slight crutch and thus prevented me from learning the more advance features of rhino. But guess what? I crank out the jewelry, that was my goal. As others have posted; you are buying into the company.
The products are fabulous but if support isn't available it is useless. I have called so many times for help and not once, in all my calls, have i ever felt as though i was a bother to them. Everyone is courteous, kind and helpful (not to mention, patient).The product takes a bit of learning (although my 16 year old son took to it like a fish to water) but it is extremely well worth it. I've been a goldsmith for 26 years and this is the best new product i've seen and have been excited about.
Gemvision is very responsive to all of our ideas, suggestions and concerns. The bottom line is that the people of Gemvision are the best and their product outperforms the rest of the competition. I am not a jewelry designer. I am just a computer nerd who is trying to help a friend. He suffers from computerfobia and asked me if I can help him with jewelry design software evaluation. He heard about matrix, so I started to investigate.
Found nothing useful besides the sells pitches. Problem is that I know his abilities and I have to know if he will be able to use this software. He will never talk to matrix people himself. Neither will I, unless I can try it myself. So in this case - no sale without evaluation. It may be not appropriate for him for many different reasons, no matter how good this software can be.
So far he's doing fine making things by hand. I've been a jeweler for thirty years and have been doing CAD for ten years.
I have used Solidworks, Rhino and Matrix. For the commercial jeweler there is no substitute for Matrix. The speed and flexibility Matrix offers the jeweler is unmatched by any other generic or jewelry-specific program. The support is personal, honest and speedy.
It seems almost all of the negatives in these reviews are from people who haven't used Matrix, and/or are angry that they can't get a demo copy. Go to a trade show-stand at the Matrix booth for a few hours and try it.
You'll find it extraordinary. But don't write a negative review because you can't get a freebie. This is an excellent product produced by talented, hard-working, innovative people. I spoke to Gemvision regarding the demo. They can write one, I am told it is a liscensing issue with McNeel. Anybody that can't understand the power of this tool or believe the reports above needs to get with the guys at Matrix in person for a demo. Anyone who wants to come to my office can test drive the tool - I'm not their salesman, just a satisfied user.
I can model in Rhino, and the seriously very advanced user can do everything version 3.5 can do.if your time is not an issue for you. Matrix just makes everything go faster and work better. The immenent release of version 4.0 (in beta at this writing) will bring power and speed improvements not available in the Rhino engine. Matrix is more than a plugin.
It is an amazingly powerful extension of the Rhino engine. The company is first rate in tech support and training.
You can sit there and whine about no downloadable demo or you can invest in you future by seriously investigating the product and its capabilities by finding a user willing to demo the tool for you or meeting with their sales team. I'll be glad to answer any questions (from a user's prespective) regarding this product. By far the best software in the business. Not only is the program awesome, the support is second to none.
In a jewelry design competition with the other major design programs, Matrix was the only one to complete all of the designs and produce working STL files to generate prototypes. As for being able to do everything in Rhino that Matrix does with it's builders, yeah it's possible (I started out in Rhino.) But while your aligning cylinders perp to a surface, I'll be sliding my customers credit card through my terminal. I have read the reviews complaining about 'no demo'.
I would be surprised if the ones that complained about not having a demo are in the business of, working in a modern fast paced jewelry store, or manufacturing company. I mean no disrespect here, but if you are in the Jewelry Trade and in the business of custom jewelry or designing jewelry and/or manufacturing I find it very hard to believe that you have not been to the NY, or Las Vegas Trade show. If you go to a trade show you can take a test drive on Matrix at the Gem Vision Booth. The staff of Gem Vision is always willing and able to help you at their booth.
By exploring the program with a staff member you are not obligated to make a purchase. In 30 minutes with a trained staff member you can see enough of the program to realize if it is right for you and your business or not.
To knock Matrix for not having a 'Demo' is a pretty poor argument in my opinion. If you are not able to attend a Jewelry Trade Show and see the software in action for yourself given the potential benefit to you and your company, perhaps you should stay with just the free demo cad programs that are out there. Others have stated that Matrix is not a toy, it is for a serious jewelry industry user. On top of that the high level of support you get from Gem Vision is second to none.