Nowadays more and more computer-aided technologies and computational techniques are applied to product design. Jewelry belongs to those products. Jewelry is considered as part of human civilization and adopted to human’s needs. In recent years, computational design is applied in order to overcome the limitations of traditional CAD systems, when reaching an increased level of complexity and geometrical controls. Computational design supports the evolution of creative design and develops models as a form of the computational exploration. Furthermore, additive manufacturing (AM) pieces of equipment are widely used to create models and prototype parts in various applications. AM plays an important role, when developing jewelry models, as it is utilized with an aim to produce high-quality models in rather reduced numbers and complex shapes. In the current paper, a computer-based design tool was applied in order to develop algorithms for the generation of new artistic forms for the design of a set of jewelry. Then, Stereolithography (SLA) technique is chosen for the prototype models construction.

Modelling with 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) tools has reached a point that its complexity is difficult to be controlled without the use of programming tools. Both general purpose CAD systems and specialized CAD pieces of software allow their programming with textual or visual interface. The designer is offered with a variety of tools in order to automate the design process and handle its geometrical complexity. The present paper deals with the use of CAD based visual programming for product designers, who want to use unusual geometries based on 2D patterns and present their work to the final user using high-end rendering images. The proposed designs can be customized to a great extend and contribute towards their increased added value. At the same time, a family of products can be presented, when the design parameters used get alternative values.

Jewel design is performed for many years and the designers and manufacturers follow a variety of inspirations. Traditionally the designs are generated based on the artistic sense of the creator, while at the same time a number of manufacturing restrictions apply. Nowadays, a series of advanced Computer Aided Design, CAD based tools are available in order to generate impressive concepts. Although, it is possible for designers to interface a CAD system and implement their design digitally, some prefer to use the programming capabilities offered by the CAD software developers. This is the way forward, in order to create unusual geometries for the jewellery industry and at the same time to develop the capability for generating a complete family of geometries that can satisfy even the most demanding customer. In the current paper, the latest approach is presented together with a case study.

Nowadays, the circular economy model is basically built on the efficient use of resources and the maximization of the product’s lifetime as long as possible, by recovering, reusing and recycling existing materials and products. Comparing circular economy with the new trend of customized products, there is an opportunity for the production of personalized products with less associated environmental costs. As a key factor can be considered the 3D printing technology, which is already widely accessible, offering customisable possibilities without expensive tooling based on individual specifications. Furthermore, the opportunity for recycling and degradation of different plastic materials and the creation of a filament for 3D printers has large impact on the product life cycle. The aim of this study is to highlight the management of recyclable plastic by creating new customized products. Souvenir industry has been chosen as a representative example which covers a big number of different products offering simultaneously a mass customized character.