Last week, we went to New Orleans to meet hundreds of  jewelers from around the world and showcase some amazing Shapeways jewelry designers at the 2017 Society of North American Goldsmiths Nexus Conference.

The SNAG community came to New Orleans to buy gemstones and tools, and to learn about new jewelry-making technologies, including 3D printing. Students, entrepreneurs, and veteran craftspeople took advantage of exhibitions, silent auctions, and a trunk show to display their work.

We got to meet many members of the international jewelry community and hear their stories. Several of them are already part of the Shapeways community.

Rod McCormick, for example, is a metalsmith, sculptor, and jeweler who teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

Rod McCormick wearing his Bouquet in 3D printed Nylon

McCormick’s original passion was for traditional metalworking methods: hammering, casting, chasing, repoussé, soldering, welding. Since 1990, he has been involved with CAD, and much of his work now involves digital processes.

Rod McCormick, Aponogeton brooches, 2015. In 3D printed nylon (left) and 24k-gold plated stainless steel (right).

McCormick uses Shapeways Strong & Flexible plastic and gold-plated steel to create custom brooches. He draws his inspiration from metalworking process, from 19th-century sheet-metal pattern-making to 3D modeling programs.

Jocelyn Kolb-DeWitt studied at the Tyler School of Art, also in Philadelphia, and now teaches product design at East Stroudsburg University.

Jocelyn Kolb-DeWitt designed wedding rings for her husband and herself.

Kolb-DeWitt has been 3D printing in for over 15 years, and her work draws on natural attractive elements such as bioluminescence and sexual dimorphism. Her wedding rings have an interlocking chevron design and are printed in 14k White Gold.

For the Parotia necklace, Kolb used Strong & Flexible plastic that she hand-dyed, then put together with other materials.

Jocelyn Kolb-DeWitt, Parotia. Nylon, glass, and magnets.

At the end of four days filled with meeting new friends, learning new techniques, and splurging on tools and gems, Shapeways and SNAG hosted a dance party to put a bow on the conference. It had a masquerade theme with a DJ and a wild array of masks.

We hope to see you at SNAG Nexus 2018!