Choosing a partner to bring your jewelry ideas to life is a big decision. The right 3D design and CAD service can be the engine that drives your brand’s success, while the wrong one can lead to missed deadlines, costly manufacturing errors, and endless frustration.
But how do you tell the difference? How do you know if a designer or firm truly has the technical skill and professional approach to deliver what you need?
Before you sign a contract or send a deposit, use this simple checklist. Asking these five questions will help you vet potential partners and find a team you can trust with your vision.
1. “Can I see examples of your ‘production-ready’ CAD files?”
A portfolio full of beautiful renders is great, but it only shows half the story. The real technical skill lies in the CAD file itself. A “production-ready” file is one that is meticulously built for manufacturing and engineered with the physical creation process in mind.
What to look for: Ask to see wireframe views or screenshots of their CAD work. A great designer will be proud to show you the clean, precise construction of their models. A designer who only shows you pretty pictures may be hiding a lack of technical depth.
2. “How do you handle revisions and feedback?”
The design process is a collaboration. There will inevitably be tweaks and adjustments along the way. Understanding a designer’s revision process upfront is crucial to avoid scope creep and unexpected costs.
What to look for: A professional service will have a clear, structured revision policy. They might include a set number of revisions in their initial quote or have a clear hourly rate for additional changes. A vague answer like “we’ll figure it out” is a red flag.
3. “What is your process for making sure a design is manufacturable?”
This is arguably the most important question. A beautiful design that can’t be physically created is worthless. An expert jewelry CAD designer does more than just draw; they engineer the piece for successful casting, stone setting, and polishing.What to look for: Listen for keywords like “wall thickness,” “prong integrity,” “weight calculation,” and “casting channels.” A true professional will be able to confidently explain how they consider these factors to prevent manufacturing issues down the line.
4. “What files will I receive upon completion?”
You need to know exactly what you are paying for. The final deliverables are critical for both manufacturing and marketing your piece.What to look for: For a typical project, you should expect to receive the source CAD file (e.g., .3dm), a manufacturing-ready file (e.g., .stl), and any high-resolution render images or animations you agreed upon.
5. “Can you explain your pricing structure?”
Pricing for 3D design services can vary. Some designers charge per project, while others charge by the hour. There is no right or wrong model, but transparency is non-negotiable.
What to look for: A trustworthy partner will provide a detailed quote that clearly outlines the scope of work and what’s included. Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true or providers who are hesitant to put everything in writing.
Why PROLA Welcomes These Questions
t PROLA, we believe an informed client is the best partner. We’ve built our process around transparency, technical excellence, and clear communication. We are always prepared to walk you through our CAD work, explain our manufacturing considerations, and provide a clear, comprehensive proposal.
Our goal is to build long-term partnerships based on trust and exceptional results. We invite you to ask us these questions and any others you may have.
Ready to partner with a team that has the right answers?
Contact us for a free consultation. We’d be happy to discuss your project and show you why brands and designers around the world trust PROLA.