3Design CAD vs JewelBeetle

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.

JewelBeetle is Windows 3D jewelry design software for building and presenting models. Its component builders create gems, bezels, heads, prongs, gallery rails, and ring shanks, while parametric modeling, ring sizing, and stone-setting tools support design work. The Projects panel stores models and related STL files, images, and PDFs. The Bella render engine includes materials and finishes and can produce turntable animations as MP4 files. Metal Weights calculates object volume and reports common metal weights in pennyweight and grams, with an option to estimate price from current spot prices. JewelBeetle supports Windows 10 and Windows 11; Mac is not supported. A Rhino 7 or Rhino 8 license is required, and an internet connection is needed for installation downloads and license validation. Customers can request a two-week trial, with a watermark on Bella Render trial output. Listed support includes a user forum and email. The JewelBeetle 3D Jewelry Design Studio costs $4,995, paid once, sales tax excluded. Options bundling Rhino 8 cost $5,545 as a one-time purchase or $5,845, paid once.