This summer, I took the plunge into digital design. I spent an amazing couple of months at the Gemological Institute of America completing the full time Comprehensive CAD/CAM program. Computer Aided Design & Manufacturing have been transforming the jewelry industry since the 1990’s, in everything from high end jewelry, commercial jewelry to studio jewelry. When I first learned of 3d modeling for jewelry, the process of creating on a screen didn’t appeal to me. I enjoy working with my hands, to create with physical materials- digital building lacks this tactile aspect. These days, I’ve embraced CAD skills as another important tool in my arsenal. Aside from the obvious importance of digital skills in an increasingly tech world, there are so many possibilities to create with CAD that would be incredibly difficult at a traditional jeweler’s bench. The 3d model is created on a screen and then printed by another computer in resin, but from that moment onward it is treated like any other piece of jewelry. Cast by hand, polished, set with stones by hand, all of these processes depend on human direction. At some point in the near future, I will explore 3d printed metal too. I am very excited to blend my CAD skills with my years of bench experience.