For my Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, I completed a personal exploration of 3D printing with metal to create a fine jewelry series that was inspired by coral. I wanted to create an eco-conscious jewelry collection that would serve as a reminder of the coral bleaching events of 2016 and 2017.

I made a total of eleven rings that were designed in Rhinoceros, a CAD program. I wanted to compare the results of 3D printed metal from Shapeways.com to my own investment casting process using the equipment located in the Center for Visual Arts. Shapeways.com is a company that 3D prints objects layer by layer in a variety of materials, including metal. The piece is received nearly finished, but requires minimal filing and sanding to smooth out the lines from the printing process. Shapeways allows for identical, perfect objects each time, but comes at a higher price.

I learned many things about the casting process including how detailed and intricate my designs could be, which designs work best as 3D prints, which work better as investment castings, and I gained invaluable experience in stone setting. I learned that shapeways will be an invaluable tool for my future as a jewelry designer, allowing me to work from home before I can afford to have a studio.