By Christian Tse

Welcome to the exciting world of artificial intelligence (AI), where technology meets creativity in the jewellery industry! Just like discovering a new world, AI is transforming how we design, sell, and experience jewellery. The technology is still being developed, and it is changing very quickly, morphing into something even greater than we could have ever imagined. While many have heard about AI tools like ChatGPT, the real magic happens when jewellers integrate AI into their businesses. Here’s how you can start using AI today to boost your creativity and delight your customers.

Generative jewellery design and rendering

Probably one of the most exciting aspects of AI is its ability to expand and enhance our creativity. Imagine having a creative partner who never sleeps. AI can analyze trends, customer preferences, and sales data to generate thousands of unique designs. If you hit a creative block, AI can suggest fresh ideas to inspire your next masterpiece. It’s like having an endless well of creativity at your fingertips.

For example, suppose a customer is a fan of the classic TV show The Jetsons and asks their designer to create jewellery with that in mind. In that case, AI can instantly create options, even if the designer is unfamiliar with the show. Consider Figures 1, 2, and 3. Figure 1 was created by AI following a prompt requesting that the system “Render futuristic diamond rings that are inspired by The Jetsons cartoon.” Figure 2 was created by a revised prompt which added: “Use a square or cushion-cut diamond centre.” Figure 3 was created with another revised prompt asking the software to create a series of rings with black carbon fibre and smart ring technology touchscreen surfaces, including a band with rose gold and black carbon fibre. Each prompt can be refined further as the designer experiments or the customer wishes. The interactive process is fun and also incredibly efficient.

AI also simplifies the technical side of design. With AI-driven computer-aided design (CAD) tools, what once took days can now be done in minutes. You can quickly turn hand sketches or verbal descriptions into detailed CAD models ready for production. This real-time collaboration allows you to push creative boundaries effortlessly.

If you find a wonderful stone at a gem show, for example, you can take a picture of it, and AI rendering software can instantly design a ring around that stone. The piece will be rendered as a digital 3D object or model in CAD, saving hours of sitting in front of your computer. The CAD model could then be sent to a 3D printer to have the prototype of the ring printed instantly.

Custom design support for retailers

Imagine being able to offer custom designs that perfectly match your customers’ dreams. AI can generate designs based on customer input and refine them using feedback and client purchase history. Whether updating a family heirloom or creating something entirely new, AI ensures the process is smooth and engaging for both you and your customer.

Consider Figures 4, 5, and 6. Suppose a customer comes in with an inherited round diamond and asks the bench jeweller to set it into a contemporary ring design. With the right verbal prompts, AI can quickly offer a variety of styles, each with a round centre diamond. The customer can help to further refine the design by giving feedback on each AI design generated.

Once the customer approves the design, AI can quickly and easily render it in CAD, and the CAD drawing can be taken to your in-house jeweller for production. The customer remains involved throughout the process and can be delighted by the end result.

Rapid prototyping

Speed is key in today’s market. With AI-enhanced rapid prototyping, you can achieve a 24-hour turnaround for standard designs and 48 hours for complex pieces. This quick response not only impresses clients but also streamlines your R&D process.

Quality control systems will also soon use AI and computer vision for real-time inspection during the manufacturing process. Given the industry’s shortage of skilled labour, such technology is sure to greatly enhance the productivity and efficiency of jewellery manufacturing.

Optimizing inventory

AI can also relieve retail pain points, such as managing inventory. AI-driven predictive analytics can help you manage stock efficiently by forecasting demand trends and minimizing waste. This means more time focusing on what truly matters—your customers.

Virtual try-on

E-commerce can be greatly enhanced with AI-backed virtual try-on technology. Customers can see how jewellery looks on them without stepping into a store. Brands like Tiffany & Co. and Cartier already use such software to sell more of their iconic pieces online. This technology can expand your reach globally and allow customers to experiment with different styles from the comfort of their own homes.

Retail support

Picture an online portal where customers browse endless designs without the need for extensive inventory. With less money tied up in inventory, more money is freed up for other important aspects of your business, such as marketing. For online retail stores with AI technology, consumers could even request customized designs based on what they see on their screens. “I like this ring but prefer a thinner shank or a different gemstone.”
AI software can become the in-house designer that is not on the retailer’s payroll.

Marketing support

AI tools can also create captivating social media content and optimize search engine optimization (SEO), making your marketing efforts more effective than ever.

A simple snapshot of a ring in your inventory could easily be made into a video reel. AI can produce the creative, adding interesting backgrounds or music, and then exporting the newly generated video of the ring for use on social media.

AI can develop your ad creative, design your catalogues, and create artwork for your email blasts, minimizing your reliance on expensive graphic designers. AI will also do SEO research for you and automatically include keywords in your social media captions, product descriptions on your website, and email blasts.

The possibilities with AI are endless, and the future is bright! Start experimenting with AI today and discover how it can transform your jewellery business into a hub of innovation and customer satisfaction.

Christian Tse, founder and CEO of Christian Tse Design & Manufacturing (CTD&M), is an award-winning designer and disruptor. A third-generation jeweller, Tse launched his designer line in 1996 to the delight of celebrity fans, including Jennifer Lopez, Béyonce, Sarah Jessica Parker, and more. His facility in Southern California is at the forefront of fine jewellery innovation, continually pushing the creative boundaries of engineering with a team devoted to efficiency and excellence. For more, visit christiantse.com.