3Design CAD vs CounterSketch

3Design CAD is desktop CAD/CAM software for professional jewelry design, available on macOS and Windows. Its parametric construction tree lets users revise designs after creating them. Jewelry-specific tools include custom stone building, advanced pavé, and microsetting; the software also has sculpting and animation tools, parametric modeling, a built-in render engine, and 3D print export. The maker describes Version 13 as adding over 400 fixes and 50 new features across stone setting, curves, interface, and performance. Version 13's rendering engine includes reflections, ambient occlusion, bloom effects, and refined materials. Installers are available for both operating systems, with separate downloads for the software, model libraries, and Swarovski stone libraries. Files can be shared between Mac and Windows, and the maker lists compatibility with 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse. A 30-day Version 13 trial includes access to experts for questions and guidance. Recommended specifications are 16 GB RAM and a dedicated graphics card for Windows, or Apple Silicon with 16 GB RAM for Mac. Pricing and license details are available from a sales representative.

CounterSketch is 3D custom jewelry design software for jewelers working with customers on designs in real time. Its library includes more than 3,000 customizable styles and components, and users can access over one million natural and lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in Stuller's inventory. Designs can display real-time prices using business-specific markups and photorealistic renderings. A built-in Freehand tool supports creating designs from scratch. Completed work can be sent to Stuller's CAD/CAM Services team for CAD verification, casting, and finishing. Users can open available designs from Stuller.com or Stuller Showcase directly in CounterSketch. It runs on Mac or Windows computers. The 15-day trial includes other functionality but limits the library to 25 styles and 21 Freehand parts. Membership includes technical support, Online Academy access, monthly library updates, quarterly virtual seminars, and software upgrades; one-on-one training is also offered. Listed US pricing includes a $349 a year membership, or one-time licenses at 2495.00 USD and 2995.00 USD with Rhinoceros 8. Both license options include a one-year membership.