Wax 3D Printing Helps Uptown Diamond with Gem Setting

2026-04-07

Traditional jewelry design is a delicate and gradual process. Since labor and materials represent a significant investment for both jewelers and clients, confidence is essential for both parties. In traditional design, an artist first creates sketches for client approval. Once approved, the design is carved in wax and re-inspected before casting. If the wax model does not closely match the original sketch or fails to meet client expectations in any way, the mold must be redone—otherwise clients lose confidence and the jeweler loses business. Either way, the process consumes a great deal of time, typically two to three weeks.

Uptown Diamond and Jewelry, based in Houston, Texas, has found a way to not only consistently meet client expectations but also strengthen owner Rick Antona’s confidence in his business. The company’s secret weapon? 3D Systems’ ProJet® Wax MultiJet 3D Printing solution.

MJP 3D printers produce wax models with fine details, excellent surface quality, and extremely precise features, making them ideal for complex direct investment casting applications such as jewelry. Compatible with VisiJet® RealWax™ material, the wax 3D printer creates accurate, production-grade wax models on a build platform up to 11.75 x 7.2 x 8 inches (298 x 183 x 203 mm), boosting productivity.

Uptown Diamond integrated 3D printing into its workflow to speed up manufacturing while maintaining high-quality output. Cost reduction was also a key factor. While championship rings are an important segment of the jewelry business, traditional metal molds for casting can cost between $4,000 and $7,000. For standard wax casting, even with CNC machining, Uptown Diamond faced long turnaround times of four to five hours per piece.

After researching 3D printing, Rick Antona contacted Jason Applewhite of Laser Imaging, a Texas-based 3D Systems reseller. With Jason’s guidance, Rick selected the ProJet MJP printer dedicated to 100% RealWax micro-casting, and his business has grown steadily ever since.

With the ProJet printer, Uptown Diamond can print up to 50 individual wax designs simultaneously, ready for casting in 10 hours. A single wax model can be printed in just two hours, allowing the team to complete wax cutting and casting for clients on the same day. Most importantly, the company now has full confidence in fulfilling client requests regardless of complexity. “We used to turn down fun, bold designs, which was really frustrating,” said Alberto Chavez, Graphic Designer at Uptown Diamond. “Now everything is possible. We no longer have to say no to clients. The ProJet wax 3D printer gives us the confidence and ability to create anything.”

With no geometric limitations, 3D printing has unlocked creative experimentation in design. Uptown Diamond has taken on highly complex and personalized projects, including an R2D2-inspired engagement ring designed by President Grayland Noah for a Star Wars–loving couple. “The results this machine delivers are incredible,” said Grayland. “With this 3D printer, we can take on far more unique and deeply customized projects.”

The ProJet MJP wax 3D printer also brought unexpected advantages. Before purchasing the machine, Uptown Diamond competed on level ground with other championship ring makers, facing the same challenges with presentation and high mold costs. Today, the company uses the ProJet as a marketing tool to showcase wax casting models to prospective clients in advance, creating a strong competitive edge.

The printer has become integral to production and even part of the client experience. Uptown Diamond invites clients to its workshop to watch the 3D printer in action. “Seeing the printer in operation is always exciting for our clients,” said Kam Mack, Operations Manager. “The on-site experience lets clients participate. They can truly design their own jewelry and watch the entire process. It’s an exciting, fun, and unique experience from start to finish.”

When financial expert Kevin Gordon calculated the return on investment, he found the 3D printer generates approximately $20,000–$25,000 in monthly revenue for Uptown Diamond at a cost of only $1,600. “We could never have achieved what we have without this printer,” said owner Rick Antona. “We run it 24/7, and I know our business would be completely different without it.”

Word of Uptown Diamond’s exceptional 3D wax modeling spread quickly, leading other jewelers to order 3D models from the company. Rick is now considering a second 3D printer to keep up with demand. Given its tremendous success and impact on quality and turnaround, Uptown Diamond clearly regards its ProJet MJP wax 3D printer as the key to its success.

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