14 DAY TRIAL // 3D printing technology can go a long way to helping design things, and it can even, under certain circumstances, show that you really meant it when you gave a certain gift. And what better gift than an engagement ring?
That's what a man by the name of Alwin Wong thought when he decided to pop the big question. He didn't feel that a random ring from a jeweler could be enough, and he didn't want to chance that a verbal or written description of his ideal ring would be misinterpreted.
So he resorted to something that an increasing number of people have begun to call upon: 3D printing technology.
Making sure not to tell his intended, Alwin designed a special, tailor-made engagement ring over a period of several months. He not only created the basic design, but also chose the specific claws that hold the diamond atop of the ring.
Also, he revised the design a few times in order to determine the optimum cathedral length. Finally, he added the initials of both himself as his love, Sarah.
When he was ready, he sent the ring concept to Makerzone to have its design strength tested. A few more revisions were needed, since some prints didn't turn out that well, but he eventually settled on a final form.
With the design in hand, he was ready to go to a jeweler and ask them to make the actual ring (the design was made of plastic and included both the metal ring and the stones). As a finishing touch, Alwin commissioned a personalized ring box made of wood and with an “S” on the front.
Sure, the ring and the box holding it had to stay hidden in Alwin's Malaysia home for a while, but it now adorns his fiancée's finger (she, of course, said yes to his offer to marry him).
It goes to show that, even when a 3D printer does part of the legwork, you still have to put effort into preparing for a life-changing decision like marriage. Indeed, it even allows for a greater degree of intimacy, personal involvement, when you can design the object yourself. Even if you aren't an artist – drawer, sculptor, or writer – you can still properly send your vision across to the appropriate craftsman thanks to CAD software and the 3D printers that make virtual files into real, palpable things.
Now we can only wonder how much time has to pass until metal 3D printers become small and precise enough to create the actual jewelry themselves, instead of mere moulds.
