The WALLD Blog

Every WALLD Design CAD file download comes as a single .zip containing four key items. First, the .3DM master file — this is the fully editable Rhino file containing every curve, surface and dimension of the design. If you work in Rhino, Matrix Gold or any Rhino-compatible software, this is the file you open to resize, modify or adjust the design before printing. Second, the .STL grow file — this is the print-ready mesh version of the design that every 3D printer and casting house can read directly. You send this file to your printer or caster without needing any CAD software. Third, the gem report — a plain text document listing every stone in the design by shape, dimensions and carat weight. This is critical for ordering the correct stones before setting, quoting the job accurately, and verifying the design matches your specs. Fourth, multi-view images showing the design from every angle. These are ideal for client presentations, quotes, or simply confirming what you are getting before you commit to printing and casting.

Step one is sending your .STL file to a jewelry-specific 3D printing service. They will print the design in a castable resin — this physical print is called the grow. Inspect it carefully because this is your last chance to catch issues before metal is involved. Step two is investing and casting. The resin grow is placed in a casting flask, surrounded with investment plaster, and burned out in a kiln. The resin vaporizes and leaves a perfect hollow cavity. Molten gold, silver or platinum is then injected into that cavity — this is lost-wax casting, the same process jewelers have used for thousands of years. Step three is metal cleanup. After casting, remove the sprues, file rough edges, sand progressively and polish to the desired finish. Step four is stone setting. Use the gem report from your CAD download to order exactly the right stones. Your stone setter places each gem into its seat — prong, pave, bezel or channel — according to the original design. Step five is a final polish and quality check against the original CAD images to confirm everything is seated correctly and all surfaces are clean.

The .3DM file is the native Rhinoceros 3D format and is the master editable file. It stores your design as smooth NURBS geometry, meaning curves stay perfectly smooth no matter how much you scale or zoom the design. If you need to resize a ring, adjust prong heights, change a shank profile or add any detail before printing — open the .3DM in Rhino or Matrix Gold and make your changes there. The .STL file is a mesh-based format that converts the smooth design into thousands of tiny triangles. You cannot smoothly edit an STL but every 3D printer, resin machine and casting house in the world can read one without any special software. Think of the .3DM as your working file and the .STL as your production file. The typical workflow is to open the .3DM, make any sizing or design adjustments, then use the included .STL when you are ready to print. Every WALLD Design download includes both formats so whether you are editing in Rhino or sending straight to a caster, you are covered from day one.

Professional jewelry CAD designers typically charge between $75 and $200 per hour depending on experience, location and project complexity. At WALLD Design, basic CAD services covering up to two hours of design time start at $120 — ideal for simple bands, solitaire settings and basic pendants. Complex multi-element designs requiring up to four hours of work start at $350. Several factors affect the final cost. Complexity is the biggest one — a simple band takes far less time than a multi-stone cluster with intricate metalwork. The quality of your reference material also matters. A clean sketch with clear measurements moves faster than a rough idea with many rounds of changes. Revisions are another factor — always clarify upfront whether revisions are included in the hourly rate or billed separately. One thing people often overlook is the long-term value of a good CAD file. A single design cost gives you unlimited reprints and recasts. You can produce the same piece in yellow gold, white gold and platinum from one file. You can present photorealistic renderings to clients before spending a dollar on metal. And if a popular style is already in the WALLD Design library, a pre-made file starting at $35 can save you hours of design time at a fraction of the cost.

You do not need a precise technical drawing to get started — a photo, a rough sketch or even a written description is enough. The more detail you can provide the faster the process, but Daniel works with clients at every stage of clarity. Start by gathering your inspiration. Screenshots of rings you like, a photo of a family heirloom, a hand-drawn sketch or a detailed written description all work. Note your preferred metal type, the centre stone shape and size, any side stones, and style details like prong type or shank profile. Share all of this with Daniel along with your ring size if known. From there Daniel builds a fully rendered 3D CAD model and sends you multi-view images for review. This is the stage to request changes — adjustments to the CAD file are quick and inexpensive. Changes after casting are nearly impossible and always expensive. Once you approve the CAD the file is yours. You can take it to any jeweler, casting house or 3D printing service in the world to produce the finished ring. The result is a completely one-of-a-kind piece built on a professional production-ready file that can be reproduced or resized any time in the future.

Most major cities have at least one trade casting house that works with independent jewelers and small manufacturers. Start with a Google search for jewelry casting services in your city or state. You can also ask at a local jewelry supply store — they almost always know who the reliable local casters are. When you contact a casting house, ask these key questions. Do they accept STL files directly, or do they require a physical wax or resin grow? What metals do they cast — yellow gold, white gold, sterling silver, platinum? What are their minimum order quantities and turnaround times? What finishing services do they offer after casting? If you cannot find a local option, online casting services are a reliable alternative. Shapeways, Sculpteo and several jewelry-specific online casters accept STL files and ship finished castings directly to you. For first-time orders, request a sample cast in silver before committing to gold — it lets you check fit, finish and quality at a much lower cost. Once you find a caster whose quality and communication you trust, build a relationship with them. Consistency in your casting house leads to consistency in your finished product, which matters enormously if you are producing pieces for sale.