More companies in Asia are beginning to embrace 3D printing as the price of 3D printers drop dramatically. Early 3D printing was used mostly by manufacturers and designers to build prototypes. Over the past couple of years, the technology has begun to spread to the service sectors.

JewelDistrict, a Seoul, Korea based startup has launched its 3D printing service specializing in printing precious metal jewelry. Unlike other 3D printing service companies, JewelDistrict focuses solely on 3D printing of jewelry.

Users can upload their 3D designs to the website and choose which material they want to use. Currently models can be printed in silver or brass. JewelDistrict offers also different options in terms of surface finishes, plating, and stone setting. The price varies based on which material and finish you choose, for example the price tag for silver jewelry is $30 (per model) plus $20 x volume (per cm3).

The company promises a short production time of 5 days for raw brass and silver, and 10 days for various satin or polished finishes and plated jewelry. JewelDistrict says designers will soon be able to sell their jewelry via the JewelDistrict online shop and it also plans to launch a jewelry customization app for customers.

According to the company’s CEO, Sungdo Lee, 3D printing technology has the greatest potential to dramatically change the jewelry industry. This is because while most 3D printed products are limited to decorative purposes only, 3D printed jewelry is readily wearable. Jewelry designers can create geometrically complex designs that can only be achieved by 3D printing.

Since jewelry is often bought as a gift to a special person, Lee believes there is a huge market for personalization of jewelry and this personalization can only be achieved by 3D printing.

JewelDistrict was founded in 2011. Its team of 6 consists of software engineers and jewelry designers who have been developing technologies to transform your ideas into 3D models and to efficiently produce them with 3D printing. JewelDistrict is also building a marketplace for creative jewelry design where customers can connect with and buy from designers.

Reprint from 3der.org.