3D Printing in Art Jewelry

Based on author's experiences of using 3D printing,this paper addresses 3D printing technology and its impacts on contemporary art jewelry.The case study shows two application methods of this technology:developing its idiosyncrasies as formal elements,and employing CAD/3D printing as an alternative tool to traditional methods.The drawback of the graphic user interface(GUI)for craft practices,a problem related to CAD,is also discussed. CAD/3D printing has redefined the notion of "handcraft",and the constructive interaction between technology and art will promote CAD/3D printing as a more practical means for jewelry artists.