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MatrixGold Customer Discusses His Experience

Kitchens discusses his successes through custom design

Roger Kitchens has seen the jewelry industry change quite a bit during his 40 years in the industry. He’s watched computer-aided design (CAD) become an industry norm and has implemented CAD software into his business so that he can offer custom design. To work on his designs, Roger has used various software, and he currently uses MatrixGold.

I chatted with Roger to learn more about his experience with MatrixGold and the design success it’s brought him. 

Roger, thank you so much for speaking with me! Let’s start with a your background. What experience do you have in the jewelry trade?

I started working as a jeweler when I was 19 years old. I am now 69 years old and still working. I’ve worked as bench jeweler for 45 years, doing repairs, fabrication, wax carving, and casting. Ten years ago, I purchased RhinoGold 1.0, opening my path to CAD.  

What is your business model? Designing with MatrixGold Roger Kitchens Studio

I work from my home office, creating models for three retail stores. Through email, I receive the sketch, stone information, and specifications. Using cloud storage, the STL files are easily accessed for the store to print, cast, and finish the project. Some models are printed on my LCD Printer and shipped to the store.

Which software do you use? 

I purchased Matrix 8 and later Matrix 9, giving me a vast toolbox. In September 2019, I purchased MatrixGold, adding parametric history to my toolbox. Now, MatrixGold is my toolbox.

How does MatrixGold help with your design process and everyday work?

Using online desktop viewing allows me to make real-time changes for my client. Parametric history allows me to make changes without having to recreate the model sections.

Parametric history also allows me to create models in sections, mirroring those sections to create the complete model. I can import parts from my collection and assemble a model. I can easily edit the model, changing finger size, stone sizes, and other variables.

Roger-Kitchens-MatrixGold-Necklace-Render  Roger-Kitchens-MatrixGold-Earring-Render

Designing with MatrixGold Roger Kitchens Ring

What do you think are top features of MatrixGold?

The user interface offers easy navigation, and the desktop layout is easy to customize.

We create updates based on the customer’s needs. What do you think should be next for MatrixGold?

I miss many features from Matrix 9. The Gem List on Curve is probably the one I used most frequently. Many of my projects are using the customers’ diamonds. I could add stones by individual sizes and counts rather than trying to graduate the stones in MatrixGold.

I’d also like the ability to create more flexibility when using the signet ring builder with control points on the shank curves. Adding a Euro shank outside profile to a cathedral ring rail would also be great.

Designing with MatrixGold Roger Kitchens Ring 2

Stay tuned, Roger. I assure you we are working on a few of those updates and hope to have them in the coming weeks! Thank you for being one of the great designers in our community!


A huge thank you to Roger and his insight into using and working with MatrixGold. For more on Roger’s history in the industry as well as his designs, click here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Oriol Collelldemont

Gemvision Product Management Director

I've been in the jewelry trade my entire life – from working at the bench to managing • I live in Barcelona, though I lived in Australia for 4 years • I love to see the excited faces of those receiving a special piece of jewelry • When I'm not traveling, I love to stay with family and ride my bicycle with my group of friends (as long as we stop to have a good breakfast!)