About 3D Printing
3D prints are generally made by printing one thin layer of a substance at a time, and building up a 3D object layer by layer.
3D printing, or 'additive manufacturing', is one of the many disruptive technologies that are in the process of radically transforming society (yet again). From 3D printing whole houses, to printing body parts, to printing whatever you can dream of at home, it's hard to keep up with the possibilities.
However, you will not be able to print anything like our metal jewellery pieces at home! The state-of-the-art machines we use to print our models and jewellery are in either New York or the Netherlands, and they still cost in the realm of half a million dollars.
Brass and plated brass, silver, and gold items, are 3D printed in high quality wax and then created using traditional 'lost wax' casting.
About Our 3D Material Options
GOLD (or RHODIUM) PLATED BRASS - TOTALLY GORGEOUS
If you are a lover of geometric forms looking for a special piece then gold plating (or rhodium) is definitely the classy way to go! The Rhodium actually looks more 'silver' and shiny than true silver does.
GOLD PLATED SILVER (Vermeil) - TOTALLY GORGEOUS
Vermeil should be slightly more durable than the gold plated brass, and if the surface does tarnish it will reveal 925 silver beneath it rather than brass.
SILVER - ALWAYS MYSTICAL
The 3 grades of silver are all lovely, but the polished and premium versions are noticeably more shiny and smoothly attractive.
SOLID GOLD OR PLATINUM
Most of our geometries are available in solid gold or platinum. If they are not listed they can be made available by request. Depending on the size of the piece and how much material is required, they can range in price from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. If you really need a piece to last a lifetime (with care), then this is the way to go as neither gold nor platinum tarnish like most other metals!
FULL COLORED 'SANDSTONE'
Note: We still have some of our best selling 10cm Full Color 64 Tetrahedron Grids. Since Shapeways went bankrupt in 2024 we are no longer printing new items in Sandstone.
This is a softer and grainier resin, but the advantage is that it prints in full color, large size, and reasonably cheaply. Great for larger models or where color is important. NOTE: Just as with your home 2D printer, the colours are not water-fast.
STEEL & GOLD STEEL
Note: We still have some items listed in Gold Steel, but since Shapeways went bankrupt in 2024 we are no longer printing new items in steel.
Steel is the most affordable of the metals to print in, and one of the strongest. Size makes a large difference to the cost in 3D printing, so for large metal models steel is definitely worth considering. PLEASE NOTE: Steel is prone to rust, especially if exposed to water, and even more so when exposed to salty water such as sweat. Therefore we do not recommend it for jewellery unless worn over clothing, and even then... it is not as durable or as smooth and shiny and beautiful.
COLORED PLASTICS
Note: We are not currently offering items in colored or white plastic.
If you simply want the geometry in the cheapest form possible whilst still having fine detail then this is the way to go. We prefer to print them in white, which you can then color by hand if you wish.
If you have any questions please feel free to Contact Us.
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