Beginning this summer, students at Flathead Valley Community College have access to state-of-the-art technology tools to prepare them for the business of jewelry design and manufacturing.

The college has acquired Matrix, a CAD/CAM jewelry design software, and Revo-C, an updated computer numerical control  mill, for students to learn the most advanced and widely-used equipment in the jewelry design industry.

Part futuristic robotics and part innovative video game, this computer-aided method of making jewelry has revolutionized the jewelry industry.

With assistance from the USA-based Gemvision Corporation, students studying three-dimensional jewelry design and modeling gain experience that puts them on the cutting edge.

“FVCC offers one of the most comprehensive jewelry curriculums available,” art instructor Karen Kolar said. “This advanced technology will empower our students to be a step ahead.”

With CAD/CAM, jewelry designers create custom jewelry pieces using detailed 3D computer modeling for precision and consistency

“As consumer demand for customized jewelry increases, CAD/CAM is the best way to deliver personalized products that can be designed, built and delivered quickly,” said Jill Goodson, a jewelry industry veteran and Gemvision technology expert.

She called CAD/CAM an essential component in the industry.

For more information, contact Kolar at 837.4858 or at kkolar@fvcc.edu.