Today we're talking about an issue which has come up quite frequently in the past couple years-- upgrading your old software. Specifically, why should we, and when and how is the best way to do it?

Recently I was interviewed for a podcast with the British Academy of Jewellery. The purpose of the podcast is to help people find ways of working around the broken supply chain we now find ourselves in during this COVID-19 lockdown. During the podcast, I make mention of several links to help answer some of the questions that were fielded. I wanted to provide a list of these links here.

Benchpeg gathered their own list of studio jewellery galleries and stockists still trading in the UK. The result is a wonderful resource for independent jewellers.

Since I started this blog, I’ve avoided discussing the growing phenomenon of online training because of my own concerns over conflict of interest. With this article, all that changes. I’ve spent 9 years researching all the major types of online and offline training delivery methods. In this article, I'm now sharing and discussing my findings.

Guest blogger Paul Haywood from the Haywood Life offers suggestions on best digital tools for building on online jewellery business.

The Makers Muse Youtube channel has recently released a video with some excellent practical advice on how to place copy-protection measures on your .stl files. This is particularly important advice for those who sell their models on online 3D modelling communities. Have a look:

The Economist has recently written an excellent introductory briefing on the current state of 3D printing and how it will affect industry.

I don't normally recommend online courses, but seeing as what they're teaching isn't really being taught anywhere else at the moment, it's worth sharing. 3Dprint.com is running a series of Beginner Design for 3D Printing and Advanced Design for 3D Printing online courses. Check them out.

I.materialise published an article on their blog about 5 common mistakes many 3D modellers make when designing for 3D printing. Read their list, and the additional items I've added.

A few weeks ago, I discovered a book called Designing Jewelry with Rhino by Eliania Rosetti being self-published out of Brazil. Since it’s become clear that more CAD jewellers need to know about this book, I’ve written a brief review here.