Evolution Jewellers, the local distributor of Gemvision jewellery CAD software, has established a jewellery manufacturing business called Evotech Pacific.
Evolution director Anthony Nowlan explained the new business – which specialises in modelling, laser engraving, welding and manufacturing services – was developed in response to a rising number of requests from retailers looking for locally-based designers who could perform CAD-related work.
“Many [jewellers] have already ventured down the road of the cheap offshore options and have played the typical email ping-pong game with inexperienced ‘jewellery’ designers who have never sat at the bench – often with horrendous results,” he said.
Nowlan added that Evotech would help to address the changing needs of the industry, which have led to a significant decline in the amount of ‘bench work’ being performed in-house.
“As we all know, there are times when outsourcing a task can be more economic, time-wise. If the retailer either cannot find a suitably qualified jeweller or does not have the economic means to add another qualified jeweller to perform these tasks, turnaround times and quality can be compromised,” he explained.
Supporting local industry
Evotech operations are managed via a website that includes a portal connecting Australian and New Zealand retailers with local jewellery designers experienced in working with CAD.
Using the portal, retailers can view designers’ portfolios, select their preferred CAD jeweller and then upload sketches/images and other requirements. A quote and estimated turnaround time will then be provided, with manufacturing work to commence once payment has been made.
Nowlan said there were currently eight designers on the Evotech team and that four more were expected to join by the end of August.
Although Evotech has been in operation since July this year, the business and designer portal will officially launch at the upcoming International Jewellery Fair, which will be held from 29 August to 31 August in Sydney.
Nowlan said further information and laser engraving samples would be provided at the fair, with staff also offering demonstrations of the designer portal.
He added that while the Evotech and Evolution businesses would initially operate separately, they would eventually merge into a single entity. Plans are also in place to introduce a casting service.
Evolution Jewellers, which was established in 2003, has been the official Gemvision distributor for Australia and New Zealand since 2004. Support and training is offered to more than 400 local jewellers.
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