Quick Overview
- 1#1: MatrixGold - Advanced CAD/CAM software for professional jewelry design, rendering, and manufacturing preparation.
- 2#2: Rhino - Versatile 3D modeling software widely used for precise jewelry design and prototyping.
- 3#3: 3DESIGN - Parametric jewelry CAD software optimized for creating intricate rings, settings, and prongs.
- 4#4: JewelCAD - Specialized CAD tool for jewelry designers focusing on gemstone placement and pavé settings.
- 5#5: Fusion 360 - Cloud-based CAD/CAM platform supporting jewelry modeling, simulation, and 3D printing workflows.
- 6#6: Blender - Free open-source 3D suite for jewelry modeling, sculpting, texturing, and photorealistic rendering.
- 7#7: KeyShot - Real-time 3D rendering software excelling in lifelike jewelry material visualizations and animations.
- 8#8: ZBrush - Digital sculpting tool for creating highly detailed organic jewelry models and textures.
- 9#9: Lightspeed Retail - POS and inventory management system tailored for jewelry stores with multi-location support.
- 10#10: The Edge - Comprehensive retail software for independent jewelers handling sales, inventory, and repair tracking.
We ranked these tools based on core functionality, such as design accuracy and rendering quality, alongside ease of use and overall value, ensuring they cater to both professional jewelers and small business owners.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading jewelry software tools—such as MatrixGold, Rhino, 3DESIGN, JewelCAD, Fusion 360, and others—to help users understand key strengths and suitability. Readers will gain insights into features, usability, and ideal applications to select the best software for their design workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MatrixGold Advanced CAD/CAM software for professional jewelry design, rendering, and manufacturing preparation. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Rhino Versatile 3D modeling software widely used for precise jewelry design and prototyping. | creative_suite | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | 3DESIGN Parametric jewelry CAD software optimized for creating intricate rings, settings, and prongs. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | JewelCAD Specialized CAD tool for jewelry designers focusing on gemstone placement and pavé settings. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Fusion 360 Cloud-based CAD/CAM platform supporting jewelry modeling, simulation, and 3D printing workflows. | creative_suite | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 6 | Blender Free open-source 3D suite for jewelry modeling, sculpting, texturing, and photorealistic rendering. | creative_suite | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 4.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 7 | KeyShot Real-time 3D rendering software excelling in lifelike jewelry material visualizations and animations. | creative_suite | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | ZBrush Digital sculpting tool for creating highly detailed organic jewelry models and textures. | creative_suite | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 5.4/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 9 | Lightspeed Retail POS and inventory management system tailored for jewelry stores with multi-location support. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | The Edge Comprehensive retail software for independent jewelers handling sales, inventory, and repair tracking. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
Advanced CAD/CAM software for professional jewelry design, rendering, and manufacturing preparation.
Versatile 3D modeling software widely used for precise jewelry design and prototyping.
Parametric jewelry CAD software optimized for creating intricate rings, settings, and prongs.
Specialized CAD tool for jewelry designers focusing on gemstone placement and pavé settings.
Cloud-based CAD/CAM platform supporting jewelry modeling, simulation, and 3D printing workflows.
Free open-source 3D suite for jewelry modeling, sculpting, texturing, and photorealistic rendering.
Real-time 3D rendering software excelling in lifelike jewelry material visualizations and animations.
Digital sculpting tool for creating highly detailed organic jewelry models and textures.
POS and inventory management system tailored for jewelry stores with multi-location support.
Comprehensive retail software for independent jewelers handling sales, inventory, and repair tracking.
MatrixGold
specializedAdvanced CAD/CAM software for professional jewelry design, rendering, and manufacturing preparation.
Parametric Jewelry Component Library with thousands of editable, industry-standard elements for rapid customization
MatrixGold, developed by Gemvision (now part of Stuller), is a leading parametric CAD software tailored for jewelry design and manufacturing. It enables users to create precise 3D models using an extensive library of pre-built components, gems, and settings, with real-time modifications via parametric controls. The software streamlines the entire workflow from conceptual design and photorealistic rendering to production-ready outputs like STL files and manufacturing instructions.
Pros
- Vast parametric library of jewelry components accelerates design process
- Advanced rendering and simulation tools for lifelike previews
- Seamless integration with manufacturing pipelines including nesting and toolpath generation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-CAD users
- High upfront and ongoing costs
- Requires high-end hardware for optimal performance
Best For
Professional jewelry designers and manufacturers needing advanced parametric tools for high-volume, precise production workflows.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at around $10,000-$15,000 with annual maintenance (~20%); subscription plans from $500/month available.
Rhino
creative_suiteVersatile 3D modeling software widely used for precise jewelry design and prototyping.
Advanced NURBS modeling engine providing unmatched precision for organic curves and surfaces vital in jewelry design
Rhino (Rhinoceros 3D) is a powerful NURBS-based 3D modeling software widely used in jewelry design for creating precise, complex geometries like rings, pendants, and settings. It excels in surface modeling, filleting, and boolean operations critical for jewelry workflows, with support for plugins like Grasshopper for parametric design and tools like MatrixGold for specialized jewelry features. Its versatility allows seamless integration with CAM software for manufacturing prongs, pavé, and intricate filigrees.
Pros
- Superior NURBS surface modeling for smooth, precise jewelry shapes
- Extensive plugin ecosystem including jewelry-specific tools like RhinoGold and Grasshopper
- Industry-standard compatibility with rendering, CAM, and 3D printing workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for beginners without CAD experience
- Base version lacks built-in jewelry-specific tools, requiring paid plugins
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern specialized software
Best For
Experienced jewelry designers and CAD professionals needing ultimate flexibility for custom, high-precision models.
Pricing
Perpetual license $995 (commercial); optional annual maintenance ~$195 for updates and support.
3DESIGN
specializedParametric jewelry CAD software optimized for creating intricate rings, settings, and prongs.
Parametric jewelry wizard libraries for instant generation of customizable shanks, bezels, and settings
3DESIGN is a professional-grade CAD/CAM software developed by Gemvision (now part of Stuller) specifically for jewelry designers, enabling the creation of precise 3D models, renderings, and manufacturing-ready files. It features parametric modeling, extensive libraries of jewelry components like shanks and settings, and specialized tools for pavé, prong, and channel setting. Widely used in the industry, it supports both creative design and efficient production workflows from concept to CNC milling.
Pros
- Highly specialized jewelry tools including parametric pavé and engraving
- Vast library of pre-built components and gems for rapid prototyping
- Strong manufacturing integration with CAM output for milling and printing
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring dedicated training
- High cost with subscription or perpetual licensing
- Resource-intensive, demands powerful hardware
Best For
Experienced jewelry designers and manufacturers needing advanced parametric tools for production-scale work.
Pricing
Subscription plans start at around $250/month or $2,500/year; perpetual licenses with maintenance also available via Stuller.
JewelCAD
specializedSpecialized CAD tool for jewelry designers focusing on gemstone placement and pavé settings.
Parametric history tree allowing non-destructive edits to complex jewelry assemblies
JewelCAD is a parametric NURBS-based CAD software developed specifically for jewelry design, enabling precise 3D modeling of rings, pendants, and complex pieces with tools for gem placement, prong setting, and pavé patterns. It supports rendering, sectioning, and export to manufacturing formats like STL for 3D printing and CNC milling. Long-established in the industry, it emphasizes accuracy and editability for professional jewelers transitioning designs to production.
Pros
- Specialized jewelry tools like automated prong and gem setting
- Fully parametric modeling for easy design iterations
- Robust manufacturing outputs compatible with wax and metal milling
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to non-intuitive interface
- Dated UI lacking modern aesthetics and workflow
- Limited plugin ecosystem compared to Rhino-based alternatives
Best For
Experienced jewelry designers and manufacturers prioritizing parametric precision over beginner-friendly interfaces.
Pricing
Perpetual license ~$6,000-$8,000 USD (depending on edition), plus optional annual maintenance ~$1,200.
Fusion 360
creative_suiteCloud-based CAD/CAM platform supporting jewelry modeling, simulation, and 3D printing workflows.
Integrated CAD-to-CAM workflow with generative design for optimized jewelry structures
Fusion 360 is a versatile cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM/CAE platform from Autodesk, offering parametric modeling, simulation, and manufacturing tools suitable for jewelry design. It enables precise creation of intricate geometries, high-quality rendering for product visualization, and direct export to 3D printing or CNC machining workflows. While not specialized for jewelry, its robust feature set supports complex ring shanks, settings, and assemblies effectively. Users can collaborate in real-time via the cloud, streamlining design iterations.
Pros
- Powerful parametric and freeform modeling for intricate jewelry details
- Integrated CAM tools for seamless 3D printing and CNC production
- Free tier for hobbyists with unlimited cloud storage and rendering
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for jewelry-specific workflows
- Lacks dedicated jewelry features like automated pavé or gem setting
- Full commercial features require paid subscription
Best For
Experienced jewelry designers and small manufacturers needing an all-in-one CAD/CAM solution for complex, production-ready models.
Pricing
Free for personal/hobbyist use; commercial subscription at $70/month or $545/year.
Blender
creative_suiteFree open-source 3D suite for jewelry modeling, sculpting, texturing, and photorealistic rendering.
JewelCraft add-on, which adds specialized jewelry design tools like parametric rings, prongs, and gem libraries to Blender's robust 3D suite.
Blender is a free, open-source 3D creation suite that excels in modeling, sculpting, animation, and rendering, making it adaptable for jewelry design through polygonal modeling, curve tools, and add-ons like JewelCraft for gem settings and ring sizing. It supports precise mesh editing and high-fidelity renders with Cycles, suitable for prototyping intricate jewelry pieces. While not purpose-built for jewelry CAD, its extensibility allows for custom workflows in 3D printing preparation and visualization.
Pros
- Completely free with no licensing costs
- Powerful 3D modeling and photorealistic rendering capabilities
- Extensive add-ons like JewelCraft for jewelry-specific tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Lacks native parametric modeling for easy modifications
- Not optimized for professional jewelry manufacturing pipelines
Best For
Hobbyists, freelancers, or advanced users seeking a cost-free, highly customizable 3D tool for jewelry prototyping and rendering.
Pricing
Free and open-source (donations optional).
KeyShot
creative_suiteReal-time 3D rendering software excelling in lifelike jewelry material visualizations and animations.
Real-time GPU-accelerated ray tracing for instant, high-fidelity jewelry renders without baking or waiting
KeyShot is a standalone real-time 3D rendering and animation software renowned for producing photorealistic visualizations, making it highly effective for jewelry designers to showcase intricate designs with accurate metal finishes, gemstone refractions, and environmental lighting. It seamlessly imports models from popular jewelry CAD tools like Rhino, Matrix, or JewelCAD, allowing users to focus on rendering without remodeling. While not a full design suite, it excels in creating marketing-ready images, animations, and VR experiences for jewelry products.
Pros
- Exceptional photorealistic rendering for metals, gems, and complex jewelry reflections
- Vast library of pre-built materials and HDR environments tailored for product viz
- Intuitive drag-and-drop workflow with real-time previews speeding up iterations
Cons
- No built-in CAD modeling or jewelry-specific design tools like parametric gem setting
- High pricing may not justify for rendering-only needs in smaller studios
- Limited support for manufacturing outputs like nesting or engraving prep
Best For
Jewelry designers and marketing teams prioritizing stunning product visualizations over full design and production workflows.
Pricing
Tiered plans: KeyShot Indie ($595/year), KeyShot Pro ($2,000/year or $995 perpetual + $595/year maintenance); volume discounts available.
ZBrush
creative_suiteDigital sculpting tool for creating highly detailed organic jewelry models and textures.
DynaMesh for dynamic topology remeshing, allowing infinite sculpting detail on jewelry elements without topology constraints
ZBrush, now under Maxon, is a powerhouse digital sculpting software renowned for creating ultra-detailed 3D models through intuitive brush-based tools that mimic traditional clay sculpting. For jewelry design, it shines in crafting organic, intricate forms like filigree, gem settings, and sculptural pieces that demand high polygon counts and artistic freedom. While not a dedicated CAD tool, it bridges artistry and prototyping by exporting meshes for further refinement in manufacturing software.
Pros
- Unparalleled sculpting detail and polygon density for complex jewelry motifs like engravings and textures
- DynaMesh and ZSpheres enable rapid, seamless organic modeling ideal for custom rings and pendants
- Robust export options (OBJ, STL) for integration with CAD/CAM pipelines
Cons
- Steep learning curve with an unintuitive, cluttered interface overwhelming for jewelry newcomers
- Non-parametric workflow makes iterative design changes and precise measurements challenging for production
- High cost relative to jewelry-specific tools like Rhino or MatrixGold
Best For
Experienced 3D artists and jewelry designers specializing in high-end, sculptural or organic designs who prioritize detail over parametric precision.
Pricing
Perpetual license $895; monthly subscription $39.95; included in Maxon One bundle starting at $124/year.
Lightspeed Retail
enterprisePOS and inventory management system tailored for jewelry stores with multi-location support.
Matrix inventory system that handles unlimited product variations for custom jewelry configurations
Lightspeed Retail is a cloud-based POS and retail management system tailored for physical and online stores, including jewelry retailers, offering inventory tracking, sales processing, CRM, and multi-location support. It excels in handling complex inventory with matrix attributes for variations like gemstone sizes, metal types, and serial numbers essential for high-value jewelry items. The platform integrates e-commerce, payments, and analytics to streamline operations and provide real-time business insights.
Pros
- Robust matrix inventory management ideal for jewelry variations and serialized tracking
- Seamless omnichannel integration syncing in-store POS with online sales
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for sales trends and inventory optimization
Cons
- Lacks native jewelry-specific tools like repair tracking or consignment modules
- Pricing can escalate quickly for multi-location setups or advanced features
- Customization for niche jewelry workflows often requires third-party apps
Best For
Multi-location jewelry retailers needing scalable omnichannel POS with strong general inventory control.
Pricing
Starts at $89/month per location for Essentials plan; Plus at $149/month, Advanced at $249/month (billed annually, excludes hardware and add-ons).
The Edge
enterpriseComprehensive retail software for independent jewelers handling sales, inventory, and repair tracking.
Advanced consignment and memo management with automated accounting splits and royalty calculations tailored for jewelers.
The Edge by Keystone is a specialized point-of-sale (POS) and business management software designed exclusively for jewelry retailers, offering robust inventory tracking for items with complex attributes like metals, stones, sizes, and engravings. It handles sales, repairs, consignments, memos, purchasing, and custom reporting, with support for multi-store operations and hardware integrations. While reliable for back-office functions, it focuses more on traditional desktop deployment with recent cloud options.
Pros
- Highly tailored jewelry-specific features like matrix pricing, consignment tracking, and repair workflows
- Strong inventory control with detailed item attributes and lot/serial number management
- Reliable customer support and proven track record in the jewelry industry
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky compared to modern cloud-native apps
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive customization options
- Limited mobile accessibility and integrations with newer e-commerce platforms
Best For
Established brick-and-mortar jewelry stores with complex inventory needs seeking a comprehensive, industry-proven desktop solution.
Pricing
Starts at around $300/month per store for cloud version; on-premise licensing from $5,000+ one-time plus annual maintenance fees.
Conclusion
The reviewed jewelry software spans critical workflows, with MatrixGold emerging as the top performer, excelling in advanced CAD/CAM, rendering, and manufacturing preparation. Rhino shines for versatile 3D modeling and prototyping, while 3DESIGN impresses with optimized tools for intricate designs. All top tools offer tailored solutions for diverse professional needs.
Explore MatrixGold to unlock seamless design-to-manufacturing efficiency, the ideal choice to elevate your jewelry creation process.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
