Where technology meets artistry
Vancouver-based LanaBetty brings 3D printing techniques to jewelry design
Would you wear a piece of jewelry that had been printed from a 3D printer?
Before you answer that, you may want to examine the pieces on offer from LanaBetty jewelry.
The Vancouver-based jewelry line features chic pieces such as gemstone earrings, geometric rings and custom cursive name necklaces that are worthy of a second (and third look). Especially once you learn how they’re made.
Lana Leppe, the designer behind the brand, chatted with Postmedia News about her designs, ethical sourcing and pushing the limits of 3D design:
Q For those who aren’t familiar, what is LanaBetty jewelry?
A LanaBetty is a contemporary jewelry line based in Vancouver. My studio sits just off Main Street and Broadway in Mount Pleasant and it overlooks our gorgeous city and stunning mountains. I make geometric contemporary jewelry by combining 3D printing and traditional techniques. Each piece is made by me using only the best materials and supplies.
How would you describe the design esthetic?
The design esthetic for LanaBetty is definitely modern and geometric. I prefer the sharp angles and striking graphic elements, because it really challenges people’s understanding of how 3D printing is so vastly different than traditional techniques.
Did you have a formal background in jewelry design, or was it more of a passion project?
When I was growing up, I never knew jewelry design could be a thing. I studied hard, earned a BSc. Biology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan and immediately began a career in food safety and quality analysis. Once school was over and that daily grind of “the real job” began to set in, I found myself incredibly bored. It wasn’t that my job wasn’t exciting, but I didn’t feel like I was really challenging myself. I wasn’t learning anything new. It was a few years after graduation that I began to teach myself to make jewelry. At first, I made some pretty terrible jewelry — horrendous, really. But my friends encouraged me and I continued to develop my skills and esthetic. When I moved to Vancouver in 2011 and learned how competitive the local artisan scene truly is, I became very excited. Finally, a challenge! Since then I have pushed hard, devouring every online tutorial, video and DIY out there, while mixing in one-on-one studio lessons with goldsmiths, jewellers, engineers, graphic designers and stone setters.
The 3D geometric element of your designs is really cool! What can you share about that?
It’s really quite fun to take this really logical, rule-oriented 3D design element and smash it into the creative outlet I’ve evolved it into. We are really living in what we once could have called “the future” in terms of design. If I can imagine it and create a matching 3D model, there exists somewhere a machine with the capability to make it into a real, solid object. What it comes down to, really, is my love of rules and logic.
What types of “rules” are there?
To design for 3D printing, one must thoroughly understand the specifications of the printer, the technique in which the printing occurs and how to translate that from 2D to 3D. I am basically adding that lens of logic to my designs, allowing me to create jewelry you cannot find anywhere else in the world.
What types of materials do you work with?
I work with a small arsenal of materials: sterling silver, brass and 3D printed steel. I choose to use ethically sourced sterling silver and components in my designs and all of my 3D prints are made in North America. I even work with one single gemstone supplier from India, a family business that can be traced back generations. To me that is as good as shopping local, knowing that my business with them helps them put dinner on their table, directly.
Where are your pieces made?
I make each and every piece myself in my studio. My 3D prints are prototyped in my studio and I work with an open-source manufacturer collective which prints my pieces in steel, brass and sterling silver across North America — it’s really dependent on which printers are available when I want a print to be made.
What is the price point of your pieces?
I make pieces that range in price from $22 to $360. Entry level items include my brass and sterling silver geometric post earrings and I make statement pieces, in 3D printed and cast silver that start at $360.
Where can people check them out?
You can find my jewelry in almost 30 shops across Canada! To see the full list, please check my website, lanabetty.com. I also attend local markets and trade shows to showcase my designs in person. This Christmas, I will be attending Circle Craft (Nov. 8-12) for the first time ever.
Circle craft is a wonderful community to be a part of — the holiday market showcases over 300 artists from across Canada. To be included for my jewelry, is an incredible honour. It is a great opportunity to show how jewelry can be made combining traditional and non-traditional techniques.