Imaginarium Leads 3D Printing's Next Big Revolution
Solitaire International|June 2017

Imaginarium is India’s largest rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing centre, a 3D printing company that has revolutionised the manufacturing processes in the jewellery industry. In an exclusive interview with Solitaire, KAMLESH PAREKH, controller – leadership team, reveals plans to launch a game-changing service – an online portal that lets customers order bespoke jewellery from the comfort of their own office/home – at the IIJS this year.

Imaginarium Leads 3D Printing's Next Big Revolution

From making Lord Mahavir’s idol and a precise kidney and brain model to recreating the 30 fellow patriots who accompanied Gandhi at the Dandi March to creating interlocked jewellery without soldering... Imaginarium has successfully executed several such assignments. In fact, the company thrives on challenges because it loves to encourage its clients to think out of the box.

Founded in 2009 as a company that introduced 3D printing in India, Imaginarium initially faced difficulties in making the jewellery industry realise the importance of 3D applications for production.

Kamlesh Parekh, controller – leadership team, Imaginarium, elaborated, “Initially, it was very difficult to make a breakthrough as most manufacturers relied on skilled karigars to carve wax moulds by hand, a process that could take up to 30 days. Manufacturers paid advance salaries to their karigars to retain them. The resistance was fierce because everyone feared that the advanced technology could trigger layoffs.” Kamlesh recalls that similar reactions were elicited by the diamond cutting and polishing manufacturers when the first laser cutting machines were introduced.

Today, Imaginarium runs more than 17 machines and caters to the top brass in the jewellery industry, printing 2,000 designs every day for its clients.

“With the consumer becoming more discerning and demanding, she wants to see different designs each time she visits a retail showroom,” notes Kamlesh. “Thus, at the manufacturer’s end, one mould doesn’t even reach the production mark of 500 pieces since they keep introducing new designs.”

Elucidating the advantages of 3D printing, he said that the process allows one to achieve finesse, reduce metal wastage, reduce cost and offer quick turnaround time. Above all, it gives designers complete freedom to explore complex, three dimensional design forms.

This story is from the June 2017 edition of Solitaire International.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 2017 edition of Solitaire International.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SOLITAIRE INTERNATIONALView All
Banking Seminar Gives Trade Reality Check
Solitaire International

Banking Seminar Gives Trade Reality Check

The banking and finance seminar that took place in Mumbai alongside Signature IIJS discussed the financing challenges in securing credit facing the global trade and possible solutions. A report by Sanjiv Arole.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 2017
GJSCI Reveals Winners Of Hupari-inspired Revive Design Contest
Solitaire International

GJSCI Reveals Winners Of Hupari-inspired Revive Design Contest

The Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI) recently organised an inter-institute design competition, Revive Design Contest, offering an opportunity for budding jewellery designers to showcase their talent while embracing ancient techniques. Those who made it through the preliminary rounds were taken to the town of Hupari near Kolhapur in Maharashtra, famous for making silver jewellery ornaments.

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2017
US Gold Jewellery – An Evolving Industry
Solitaire International

US Gold Jewellery – An Evolving Industry

The US gold jewellery industry is both sizeable and globally significant. But it faces a range of challenges. MARK HANNA, chief marketing officer at Berkshire Hathaway company Richline Group, the leading jewellery manufacturer in the US, believes the industry can flourish, if it adopts certain key initiatives.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2017
Urgent Need To Upgrade Hupari Silversmiths
Solitaire International

Urgent Need To Upgrade Hupari Silversmiths

Hupari, a small town nestled in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, India, is home to nearly 25,000 silver artisans. Jewellery blogger and designer PRERNAA MAKHARIAA narrates her experience of a recent excursion to Hupari as part of the Women’s Jewellery Association (WJA) India.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2017
gjepc conducts 50th agm in mumbai
solitaire international

gjepc conducts 50th agm in mumbai

decides to form trade disciplinary committee.

time-read
4 mins  |
january 2017
De Beers Diamond Jewellers Revamps Harrods Store
Solitaire International

De Beers Diamond Jewellers Revamps Harrods Store

De Beers is proud to continue its legacy as the ‘Home Of Diamonds Since 1888’ with a refined new store in the Fine Jewellery Room at Harrods. 

time-read
1 min  |
July 2017
JJS Gears Up For December Show
Solitaire International

JJS Gears Up For December Show

The Jaipur Jewellery Show (JJS), the country’s largest combined business-to-business (B2B) and business-to consumer (B2C) jewellery show, will be held from December 22nd to 25th at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in Sitapura.

time-read
1 min  |
July 2017
HK's 4,455+ Employees Take Part On International Yoga Day
Solitaire International

HK's 4,455+ Employees Take Part On International Yoga Day

Hari Krishna Group organised a yoga programme on 21st June 2017, International Yoga Day in its factory premises in Surat, and sales offices at BKC and SEEPZ, Mumbai.

time-read
1 min  |
July 2017
GJEPC To Set Up IIGJ Centre In Udupi
Solitaire International

GJEPC To Set Up IIGJ Centre In Udupi

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) laid the foundation stone for a premier gem and jewellery training institute in Udupi, Karnataka, on June 16th.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2017
US Diamond Jewellery Demand Reaches $41 Bn
Solitaire International

US Diamond Jewellery Demand Reaches $41 Bn

Total diamond jewellery demand from US consumers increased 4.4% in 2016 to exceed $40 billion for the first time, according to industry insight data published by De Beers. 

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2017