The end of the year is a uniquely demanding time for jewelry brands. You’re simultaneously managing the frantic holiday sales rush while trying to strategically plan for a successful year ahead. Amidst this chaos, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right creative and technical partner to bring your 2026 collections to life.
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 well into the new year. But in such a busy period, how do you tell the difference and make a confident choice?
Before you sign a contract or send a deposit for your next big project, use this simple checklist. Asking these five questions will cut through the noise, help you vet potential partners, and guarantee you find a team you can trust with your vision for 2026 and beyond.
1. “Can I see examples of your ‘production-ready’ CAD files?”
A portfolio filled with beautiful renders is great, but it only shows half the story. The real technical skill that guarantees a flawless final piece lies in the CAD file itself. A “production-ready” file is one that is meticulously built for manufacturing, engineered with the physical creation process in mind. Before you entrust your new collection to a firm, you need to see this foundational work.
- 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 the technical depth required for perfect manufacturing.
2. “How do you handle revisions and feedback?”
The design process is a collaboration, and 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, especially when you’re working with a new year’s budget.
- 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 just figure it out” is a major red flag for future budget and timeline issues.
3. “What is your process for making sure a design is manufacturable?”
This is arguably the most important question you can ask. 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 professional will be able to confidently explain how they consider these factors to prevent manufacturing issues that could derail your Q1 launches.
4. “What files will I receive upon completion?”
As you plan your marketing and production for the year ahead, you need to know exactly what you are paying for. The final deliverables are critical for both the manufacturing and marketing of your new pieces.
- 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. Having clarity on this gurantees your marketing and production teams have what they need when they need it.
5. “What is your pricing structure?”
Pricing for 3D design services can vary; some charge per project, while others charge by the hour. There is no single right model, but for your annual budget planning, 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 for Your 2026 Planning
At PROLA, we believe an informed client is the best partner. We’ve built our entire process around transparency, technical excellence, and clear communication to make this decision easy for you. 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. As you plan for a successful 2026, 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 for the year ahead? Let’s schedule a free consultation to discuss your vision.