Implementing Real-Time 3D Visualization for Enhanced Online Jewelry Customization

Client Overview

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Angara Inc. is a leading online retailer (eTailer) specializing in handcrafted fine jewelry. Their product offerings include a wide array of gemstone jewelry, engagement rings, wedding bands, pendant necklaces, earrings, and an assortment of gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, diamonds, and tanzanite.

Problem Statement

Angara differentiates itself through extensive customization options, tailoring jewelry to individual styles and budgets. They aim to merge online and in-store experiences by providing tools that allow customers to visualize their custom-designed jewelry. The challenge lies in seamlessly integrating a complex real-time rendering engine with the website’s backend systems. This involves several key aspects:

• 3D Model Management- Maintaining a library of high-quality, customizable 3D models for each jewelry piece, gemstone, and metal type. These models need to be optimized for fast loading and rendering.
• Real-Time Material Updates- Dynamically updating the material properties of the 3D model (e.g., metal color, gemstone type) based on user selections. This requires efficient algorithms and texture management.
• Text Rendering- Accurately rendering engravings with different fonts, sizes, and styles onto the 3D model in real-time. This can be computationally intensive and may require specialized text rendering techniques.
• Chain Size Adjustment- Scaling the 3D model accurately based on the selected chain size while maintaining the proportions and details of the design.

The Solution: Partnering with Auriga IT for a Virtual Jewelry Try-On

Angara, in collaboration with Auriga IT, a leading partner of innovative technology solutions, has launched an advanced visualization feature. This allows customers to personalize their jewelry selections by choosing the name, metal, and chain length directly on the website, and see real-time previews of how the final product will look before placing their order. The coding and technical challenges behind adding a real-time jewelry preview functionality involve a combination of frontend and backend development, as well as 3D modeling and rendering expertise:

1. Frontend Development:

JavaScript and Framework Integration

1. • Use JavaScript to capture user input from dropdown menus and other UI elements.
   • Integrate a JavaScript 3D library (Three.js) to render the jewelry model.
   • Implement event listeners to trigger updates to the 3D model in response to user selections.
   • Handle communication between the frontend and backend to fetch updated model data.

3D Model Optimization

1. • Ensure 3D models are optimized for web performance (low polygon count, efficient textures).

2. Backend Development:

         Database Integration

• • Store 3D model data, material properties, texture maps, and other relevant information in a database is done through DJango (Python Framework).

         3D Modeling and Rendering:

1. 1. Material and Texture Management
      • Implement a system to apply different materials and textures to the 3D models based on user selections.
   2. Text Rendering
      • Develop a method for dynamically rendering text that uses complex calculations to ensure smooth connections and accurate engravings on a 3D model, while allowing for user selection of font styles and sizes.

3. Chain Size Scaling

• Create algorithms to resize the 3D model proportionally based on the selected chain size.

4. Charm Selection

• A comprehensive library of 3D charm models is maintained, each optimized for fast loading and rendering.

5.  Stone & Diamond Selections- A library of gemstone and diamond models was curated, allowing consumers to select and preview the product in real time on the website.

Project Outcomes

• Customers were able to personalize & visualize jewelry by selecting metal, gemstone, engraving, and ring size.
• The new engaging experience boosted customer confidence, leading to higher conversion rates and increased sales.
• This cutting-edge technology set Angara apart as a leader in the online jewelry market.