MatrixGold Jewellery CAD for Beginners (Online)

The course begins with an introduction to CAD and CAM, and a presentation of the MatrixGold Interface, which includes a comparison with other jewellery design software. From there, the programme progresses through a number of essential skills, from creating and manipulating basic models to rendering and constructing 3D designs of specific jewellery pieces – such as band rings, solitaire rings and eternity bands – and preparing them for 3D printing. As part of this process, you will also study jewellery making tolerances in order to be able to produce objects that are suitable for 3D printing and jewellery casting. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a BAJ certificate endorsed by Stuller, the makers of MatrixGold Essentials, and will be well placed to continue your training with the software through an intermediate course.

By the end of the course, you will be able to model and render jewellery designs using MatrixGold Essentials, a NURBS modelling CAD program specifically designed for fine jewellery. You will also gain confidence in applying your existing knowledge of jewellery making tolerances to producing objects suitable for 3D printing and jewellery casting.

Part 1
Introductions / Explanation of CAD and CAM
An Overview of the MatrixGold Interface, and Key Differences between it and Rhino
Building objects with curves, including
Explode, Join, Rebuild, Split, Trim, Fillet and Offset
Organizing models with Layers
Precision modelling with Snaps and Osnaps
Basic transformation commands, including
Move, Rotate, Scale, and Mirror
Using the Extrude Command

Part 2
Using the Profile Placer
Sweep1
Basic Ring Construction
Band Rings
Solitaire Rings
Booleans
Building Stone Settings
Revolve and Rail Revolve
Eternity Bands
Preparing a file for 3D Printing
Basic Rendering methods

Part 3
Using the Loft command
Using the 2 Rail Sweep
Making a pinched shank
Review of Strategies for Building Models
Breaking down shapes into simpler commands
MatrixGold Dynamic Commands
Creating lines of Gemstones
Laying out Pave
Basic Tolerances for 3D Printing and Casting

On completion, learners can consider progression to BAJ’s Jewellery Fundamentals Diploma, other online courses or our short courses in jewellery manufacturing.