The Traditional Way vs The Digital Way
For centuries, Kerala's jewelry industry has relied on hand-crafted rubber molds and manual replication. 3D scanning is changing that. Jewelers across Kerala are now digitizing designs, storing them as CAD files, and producing new pieces on demand.
How 3D Scanning Works for Jewelry
- Scan the original piece — High-resolution 3D scanner captures every detail including intricate filigree and stone settings.
- Generate a 3D model — Scan data is processed into a clean 3D mesh, then converted to a solid CAD model.
- Edit and resize — Need the same ring in a different size? Want to change a stone setting? All modifications happen in CAD.
- 3D print a wax casting model — The CAD file is printed in castable wax resin, ready for investment casting.
- Cast and finish — The wax model goes through traditional casting for the final metal piece.
Time Comparison: Mold Making vs 3D Scanning
| Step | Traditional Mold | 3D Scanning |
|---|---|---|
| Capture design | 2-3 hours (rubber mold) | 20 minutes (scan) |
| Resize/modify | New mold needed (2-3 hrs) | 5 minutes in CAD |
| Replicate | 1 piece per mold cycle | Unlimited from CAD file |
| Store designs | Physical mold storage | Digital files, cloud backup |
| Damage risk to original | High (pressure molding) | Zero (non-contact scanning) |
Real Example: Antique Ring Replication
A customer brought an antique gold ring to a jeweler in Thrissur. The ring was a family heirloom, and they wanted an exact replica in a larger size. The jeweler was hesitant to make a traditional rubber mold because the pressure could damage the delicate setting. We scanned the ring in 20 minutes — no contact, no pressure, zero risk. The CAD model was resized from size 14 to size 18 in minutes. A wax casting model was 3D printed the same day, and the jeweler cast it in gold the next morning. Total turnaround: 2 days vs 5-6 days traditional.
Benefits for Kerala Jewelers
- Design library — Every piece you scan becomes a permanent digital file. No more mold storage, no more lost designs.
- Instant resizing — Resize any ring in CAD without making a new mold.
- Custom orders — Modify existing designs for custom orders in minutes, not days.
- Wholesale scaling — Send CAD files to casting houses for bulk production.
- Insurance records — Digital scans serve as precise documentation for insurance.
- Online catalog — 3D models can be rendered for website catalogs and social media.
Pricing for Jewelry Scanning in Kerala
- Per object: ₹500 per piece
- Hourly rate: ₹1,800/hour (scan 10-15 pieces per hour)
- Bulk discount: 20% off for 5+ pieces
- Mobile service: We come to your jewelry shop anywhere in Kerala
Get Started
Based in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, FOFUS provides mobile 3D scanning to jewelers across Kerala. Call or WhatsApp +91-98958-54640 to schedule a scanning session, or visit fofus.in/scan.