CAD/CAM
CAD/CAM stands for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. In jewelry making, it's like having a digital sketchbook (CAD) connected to special machines (CAM) that help create jewelry pieces. Instead of drawing and carving everything by hand, jewelers use computer programs to design their pieces in 3D on a screen, and then special machines help turn these digital designs into real jewelry. This technology makes it easier to create detailed designs, make exact copies of pieces, and change designs quickly when needed. It's similar to how architects use computers to design buildings, but for jewelry.
Examples in Resumes
Created custom engagement ring designs using CAD/CAM software
Trained team members on CAD programs for jewelry design
Operated CAM machinery to produce fine jewelry pieces from digital designs
Managed production of over 200 unique pieces using Computer-Aided Design technology
Typical job title: "CAD/CAM Jewelry Designers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find CAD/CAM Jewelry Designers
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you manage a team of CAD designers while ensuring quality and meeting production deadlines?
Expected Answer: A senior designer should discuss their experience in team leadership, quality control processes, time management, and how they balance creative design with practical manufacturing constraints.
Q: How do you approach complex custom jewelry projects from concept to final production?
Expected Answer: They should explain their process of client consultation, design development, making technical adjustments for manufacturing, and quality control throughout production.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What considerations do you take into account when designing jewelry pieces for mass production?
Expected Answer: Should discuss material efficiency, manufacturing limitations, design modifications for easier production, and cost considerations.
Q: How do you ensure your digital designs will translate well into physical pieces?
Expected Answer: Should explain checking wall thickness, stone setting security, metal weight calculations, and practical manufacturing requirements.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic tools and features do you use most often in jewelry CAD software?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe basic modeling tools, measurement functions, and simple rendering capabilities.
Q: How do you create a basic ring design using CAD software?
Expected Answer: Should explain the basic steps of creating a ring profile, sizing, adding details, and preparing the file for production.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic jewelry modeling in CAD software
- Simple ring and pendant designs
- Understanding of basic jewelry manufacturing
- File preparation for 3D printing
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex jewelry design creation
- Stone setting designs
- Production optimization
- Technical drawing interpretation
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced custom design solutions
- Team management and training
- Production workflow optimization
- Complex project coordination
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic jewelry making principles
- Inability to work with standard jewelry CAD software
- No knowledge of manufacturing constraints
- Lack of experience with jewelry materials and their properties
- Poor understanding of stone setting requirements
