3D Models

These questions are about the 3D file itself: how to make it, and how to correct it when it does not show correctly. The CAD designer who makes the file can answer most of them. For questions about the Playground editor, see the Playground questions.

Prepare a model

How must I prepare my 3D model?

Make the model in millimetres. Put each material on its own layer, with names such as Metal 01 and Gem 01, and each stone cut on its own gem layer. Keep the stone facets flat, use block instances for identical parts, and keep the model below about 200,000 polygons. Refer to Checklist before upload.

Which file format must I export?

From Rhino and MatrixGold, export .3dm. The file keeps its layers. From other 3D tools, export .glb. Do not use .stl for a model that customers see: an STL file has no materials and no layers. Refer to Supported file formats.

Which units must I use?

Millimetres, at the real size of the piece. A ring is usually 15 mm to 25 mm across. Refer to Units and scale.

Which layer names must I use?

Metal 01 and Metal 02 for the metal tones, Gem 01, Gem 02 and so on for the stone cuts. These names get the default materials. In Blender, give the materials these names. Refer to Layers and names.

How many triangles can my model have?

Less than about 200,000 for each model. A heavier model loads slowly on a phone. Refer to Size limits for mobile.

Can I upload my production file?

Yes, after you correct it. A production file often has long prongs, sharp edges, seams and parts that go through each other. These show on screen. Correct them, and put the parts on the correct layers. Refer to Checklist before upload.

Can I prepare my model in Blender?

Yes. Give the materials the layer names, for example Metal 01 and Gem 01, use Shade Flat on the stones, and export GLB. Refer to Importing Models for the layer names and a Blender video.

How do I prepare files for the ring configurator?

One file for each part and option, all parts on one shared origin, and a file name after its options, for example head_round_050ct_4prong.glb. Refer to Your own 3D models.

How do I prepare files for BatchX?

Use the same layer names, with the same spelling, in every file of the batch. Save .3dm files with Save small off, and keep each file below 200,000 triangles. Refer to Prepare 3D models for BatchX.

How do I prepare a ring for Try-On?

The ring must have a clear inner opening. Auto Fit uses the opening to put the ring on the finger. Try-On is for rings. Refer to Prepare a Try-On project.

Correct a model after the upload

Parts of my model are missing after the upload. Why?

There are two common causes:

• The 3DM file has no render meshes. In Rhino, turn on and unlock the layers of the missing parts. Set the viewport to Shaded, rotate the view one time, then use File → Save As with Save small off. Upload the new file.
• The camera cuts off a part of the model. This occurs on a large model, or when Auto Scale is off. Keep Auto Scale on, or lower Min Near in Viewer → Camera in Playground.

Refer to Importing Models.

My 3DM file shows nothing after the upload. Why?

Rhino saved the file without render meshes. Set the viewport to Shaded, then save with Save small off. Refer to A 3DM file shows nothing.

My model loads much too large or much too small. Why?

The model is not in millimetres. A ring that you draw in inches loads about 25 times too large. Set the units to millimetres, scale the model to its real size, and export it again. Refer to Units and scale.

A part shows a plain colour or the wrong material. Why?

The layer of that part has a name that the platform does not know, or two parts that need different materials are on one layer. Rename the layer to Metal 01 or Gem 01, and put each material on its own layer. Refer to Layers and names.

I apply a material to one part, and other parts change too. Why?

A material applies to all parts with the same layer or material name. Put the metal on its own layer, put each stone shape and each stone colour on its own layer, and delete copies of a part that sit on top of each other. Refer to Materials & Diamonds.

My model is black or dark. Why?

Most often the scene has no environment map. Load one in Scene → Background / Environment. If the model stays black, the materials did not export correctly from your 3D software, or the diamond layers do not have unique names. Refer to The model is black.

Why do my diamonds look like glass?

The stone meshes have smooth normals. In Rhino, run Unweld with angle 0 on the stones. In Blender, use Shade Flat. Refer to Gems look flat.

Why do my stones show the wrong cut?

Two different cuts are on one gem layer, for example a round stone and a baguette. Put each cut on its own gem layer. Refer to Gems and diamonds.

Black shadows or seams show inside a stone. Why?

The stone has incorrect normals, or meshes that overlap. A mirror modifier often causes this. Recalculate the normals, delete the overlapping geometry, and export the file again. You can also use the stone models from iJewel3D. Refer to Materials & Diamonds.

My file is over the size limit. What do I do?

Make the mesh lighter. In Rhino, use ReduceMesh on heavy parts, and use block instances for identical stones and prongs. Then export the file again. Refer to The file is over the limit.

Why does my model load slowly on a phone?

The model is heavy, or it has many separate meshes. Join the metal of each layer into one mesh, and place identical stones as instances of one stone. Refer to Size limits for mobile.

Get help with a model

I have no 3D model. Who can make one?

A 3D modelling partner can make the model for you. A photo is not sufficient to show a piece in 3D. Refer to iJewel Partners.

Can iJewel3D correct my CAD file for me?

You prepare the file yourself with the Checklist before upload. If you need a person to make or correct your files, a modelling partner can do it. You can also ask for a recommendation through the contact form.