Executive Summary

  • Who: Wesley Günter Krijntjes
  • Industry: Custom Jewelry / 3D Design
  • Location: Netherlands
  • Challenge: Shapeways’ temporary closure disrupted a long-standing digital manufacturing workflow
  • Solution: Rejoined via Thangs to restore production and plan brand relaunch
  • Results: More than 25 countries served, media recognition and renewed energy to scale globally 

The designer behind the brand

“I love things that catch the eye, look unique and have never been seen before. To create this I use structures and patterns we see all around us, both natural and manmade. I love to combine patterns I see into new wearable shapes.”

‘Trigon’ necklace and earrings: Inspired by Wesley’s love for the ancient pyramids, made in Polished Silver released in 2024.

Wesley Günter Krijntjes is a Netherlands-based 3D designer and jewelry maker with a background in metal working. In 2012 Wesley wanted to make a keychain for the company he was working for. His knowledge of manufacturing with metals led him on a search for someone that could mill a mould so he could cast his own resins. On that search, he came across Shapeways… and things quickly snowballed.

Wesley explains: “When I came across Shapeways I soon started designing jewelry for my then girlfriend. Back then Shapeways was really working together with designers to set up a nice shop and build their brand. This really got me into building something bigger.”

Proven solutions worth waiting for

For more than 10 years Wesley relied on Shapeways to turn his intricate designs into wearable jewelry. From prototyping to fulfillment anywhere in the world, Shapeways worked behind the scenes to allow Wesley freedom to design and build his brand. When Shapeways was briefly unavailable, Wesley didn’t switch platforms. Instead he doubled down on launching his independent business and hoping that he’d have access to Shapeways again soon.

“I was trusting that Shapeways would eventually come back. In the roughly fourteen years I have been busy with design for 3D printing I have only once ordered from another provider,” explains Wesley. The allure of a reliable and proven partner, based locally was enough to keep Wesley committed to a return. “I just kept on designing new things and only made 3D renders preparing for the inevitable relaunch!”

‘Seed of life squared’ pendant: The seed and flower of life are sacred symbols used by humans all throughout history, the designer left out some leaves to make the design open and unique. Made in natural bronze, also from the 24 collection. 

Reinvigoration and new ambition

When Shapeways acquired the Thangs platform, Wesley was among the first to rejoin the community. The tools and platform features he relied on — as well as the proven manufacturing expertise of Shapeways — was immediately available, making for a seamless transition back to business. “For me it is a return to the more distant past that I missed, where the marketplace was the main focus. Under the previous ownership the Shapeways marketplace faded more into the background, so I really like it returning to the forefront through the acquisition of Thangs,” says Wesley. 

The combination of Thangs as a marketplace and discovery system for his designs, combined with the hard-won trust in Shapeways’ manufacturing capabilities has reinvigorated Wesley’s journey. “I loved reconnecting with Shapeways through a new channel, it gave me new energy and will set everything up this year to relaunch my jewelry brand back into its original glory!”

‘Convolute’ pendant and earrings: The Convolute pendant inspiration came from the DNA helix. Wesley shaped the helix in the shape of a teardrop visualizing the DNA we share with every drop shed. This is one of the first designs he made and is the all time best seller. First published in 2012 under the name DNA Teardrop pendant, made in Polished Silver.

Set for the future

While this reinvigoration is just starting, Wesley has already seen the value in the combination of Thangs and Shapeways. “Previously I sold successfully to more than 25 countries, with Shapeways handling the production, finishing and shipping seamlessly. The integration with Thangs is really exciting, and provides the discovery platform, collaboration space and genuine community I am looking for while maintaining a proven delivery partner handling the 3D printing, finishing, QA, shipping, and more. I am excited to focus on creating and seeing what comes next!”