As part of the fourth industrial revolution, the direct 3D printing of jewelry in precious metal deserves a constant state-of-the-art analysis to see if and how the strengths of this technique should be exploited. Why should jewelry makers decide to use this technique for their production? More precisely, the pragmatists would like another answer: When does this technique add more value compared to traditional investment casting? In recent years, our research path included printing strategies, supporting techniques, and examined at different levels of depth the chemical and physical characteristics of the precious metal powders used.

This paper will look back at the technological evolution of direct 3D printing of jewelry with a more practical and operational eye, share our experience and give an honest analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. This detailed examination of the whole work done by Progold will be told through the viewpoint of one who exclaimed, "WOW!" when first introduced to 3D printing and will try to answer when and why it is worthwhile to print a piece of jewelry.

Author: Damiano Zito