When art meets technology, a traditional craft can be transformed in fascinating ways. Leah Bella Zinder, who has been making jewelry since high school, took her Bachelor of Arts in metals and jewelry from the University of Illinois to the next level by adding a specialty in computer-aided design and modeling.
She brought these skills to D’Errico Jewelry (located in Scarsdale and Mount Kisco) after graduation and has helped set the business apart as a cutting-edge destination for custom-designed or repurposed jewelry.
Working with customers to create or convert a piece of jewelry, Zinder will first hand-sketch, then model the design using computer software and 3D printing for review. Working with the D’Errico team, Zinder produced some 800 pieces of jewelry in the past year alone.
“What is revolutionary about the 3D printing process is that should a customer not like something — say, a ring’s band is too wide — I can go in the computer and change it,” Zinder says.
Whether it’s a sentimental item that a customer wishes to update or a momentous purchase, like an engagement or wedding ring, Zinder uses her artistry and tech skills to work wonders.
“People come in and tell me about who they are ready to propose to; then, I talk to them and extract the type of style and the right piece to build,” she says. “It’s always fun for me.”