When was this introduced to Australia?
Evolution Jewellers introduced Matrix into the Australian and New Zealand markets in 2003 and CounterSketch Studio in 2010.
What are the benefits to users?
Efficient design through intuitive and powerful interfaces allows for a higher profit margin due to reduced wastage of precious metal and time, and enables jewellers to easily articulate designs to their clients in the form of photorealistic renders and prototypes. This provides clients with a sense of ownership over the design, regardless of its simplicity or complexity.
Many bench jewellers enjoy the intuitive nature of Matrix as it closely mimics procedures used on the physical bench, allowing them to simply apply their existing knowledge to a new set of digital tools.
Retail jewellers can also use CounterSketch Studio to easily select and customise a piece of jewellery from a database of more than 3,000 pieces in front of the client using their own margins. Once the go-ahead is given, the piece is manufactured by US jewellery supplier and manufacturer Stuller and delivered directly to the retailer.
At the time of writing, the ability to purchase the file and utilise local manufacturing is not too far away.
Strengths and unique selling points?
Gemvision’s range of products stem from a need in the industry for a powerful yet intuitive jewellery-specific software solution that is efficient and above all, provides a genuine solution aimed at forward-thinking jewellers. As previously mentioned, CSS provides users with the ability to customise an existing design in front of a client, as well as create pieces from components in its new Freehand mode. This adds another dimension to an already simple-to-use software package.
How is it cost effective?
Regardless of the software/hardware, there are always two costs: the upfront financial cost, and the cost of the time taken to become proficient with the product. Our products have been designed to be very intuitive with the aim of decreasing the learning curve.
Is there a local training resource and local technical support?
Our training facilities are located in Brisbane. We hold a regular primary training class for Matrix every two months, and interstate and overseas participants can use the accommodation facilities of the conference centre. Evolution Jewellers also provides support for all of our products via the exclusive Evolution Jewellers Support Forum, which currently contains more than190 support videos.
What is the typical learning curve?
Those who attend CSS training have the confidence to use the software in their stores almost immediately. Matrix is a bit more intense. Most clients can produce their bread and butter pieces after the three-day primary course, but extend their experience through additional training and support, as well as through the Gemvision online forum. Generally speaking, most
Matrix clients are able to dissect a design/sketch to the necessary tools required to create it in between six and 12 months.
How long until users can expect to see a return on investment (ROI)?
This depends solely on the individual. Those who embrace the products and use them wherever they can will see a quicker ROI than those who use it every now and then.
Are there ongoing costs or service fees?
Both CSS and Matrix have an optional annual support fee. For CSS users, this includes support plus any updates/database additions for the software. Matrix users can elect to renew their support annually. All Gemvision products come with 12 months of complimentary support with the purchase of the software.
What bureaus support this program?
Matrix files can be used by all bureaus, both local and overseas. CSS currently relies on the manufacturing fulfilment of US-based Stuller, however the ability to purchase the STL file and utilise local manufacturing is on its way.
Is there a demo version or trial period so users can test for themselves?
No. At this level of software, trial versions have been found to be worthless unless the person using the demo has a detailed understanding of the software. We provide online live demos and video tutorials, but many of our existing clients have found that the best demo is to sit a primary training class.
Is there a jewellery ‘style’ best suited to make with your product?
All jewellery styles – from artistic, avant-garde pieces through to fine jewellery and fashion pieces – can be designed.
What is the next technological step?
The field of rapid manufacturing, where a design is uploaded to a machine that bypasses the casting process and manufactures the piece directly, is now a reality. This technology is being used with great success throughout Europe and the US. Expect to see these types of machines hit our shores in the not too distant future.
Why should jewellery retailers consider using CAD/CAM?
It is not going away. As consumers become increasingly exposed to customisation of general day-to-day products via inexpensive 3D printers, these expectations will naturally transfer to jewellery purchases as well and potential customers will not necessarily be satisfied with a stock standard clone. Regardless of whether the design is an artistic sculpture or a simple solitaire, today’s clients want a say in how the piece is created. A jeweller’s ability to provide this service with efficiency will be an influencing factor in maintaining their future success and increasing their clientele.
When was this introduced to Australia?
Evolution Jewellers introduced Matrix into the Australian and New Zealand markets in 2003 and CounterSketch Studio in 2010.
What are the benefits to users?
Efficient design through intuitive and powerful interfaces allows for a higher profit margin due to reduced wastage of precious metal and time, and enables jewellers to easily articulate designs to their clients in the form of photorealistic renders and prototypes. This provides clients with a sense of ownership over the design, regardless of its simplicity or complexity.
Many bench jewellers enjoy the intuitive nature of Matrix as it closely mimics procedures used on the physical bench, allowing them to simply apply their existing knowledge to a new set of digital tools.
Retail jewellers can also use CounterSketch Studio to easily select and customise a piece of jewellery from a database of more than 3,000 pieces in front of the client using their own margins. Once the go-ahead is given, the piece is manufactured by US jewellery supplier and manufacturer Stuller and delivered directly to the retailer.
At the time of writing, the ability to purchase the file and utilise local manufacturing is not too far away.
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