Our Solidscape printer has allowed us to increase our creativity by adding detail to our jewelry design that we couldn’t before…

Sarah Michiko, Platinum Plus Deisgns

A Family’s 30 Year Heritage

Sarah’s grandfather opened a jewelry store in 1970. His business grew and several years later he decided to hire some additional help for the summer. The young man whom he hired was Michael Hodson who would eventually become family when he married the jeweler’s daughter. After years of  learning the jewelry trade under his father-in-law’s tutorage, Michael ventured out to start a manufacturing business of his own, named Platinum Plus Designs.  Today, his daughter, Sarah is a third-generation jeweler, working at her father’s company, while also launching her own line of jewelry, Sarah Michiko Designs.

Before starting with the company full time, Sarah graduated from Endicott College with a BA degree in business administration and earned certificates in diamond grading and comprehensive CAD/CAM for jewelry from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). From her first day on the job, Sarah has been an active participant in the family business. She and her Dad share a talent for creativity and an enthusiasm for the use of the technologies available to the jewelry industry. They both take a great deal of pride in delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Customer Service Philosophy

Sarah explains “When a customer comes to us with a new idea, we will do everything we can to make it come to life. Technology is changing the way we do things and in some cases challenge us to push the boundaries. When we do, those are the successful outcomes that really make my day.”  Sarah marvels at the degree of design complexity they are manufacturing now compared to just 4 years ago. “Our Solidscape printer has allowed us to increase our creativity by adding detail to our jewelry design that we couldn’t before, such as micro pavé prongs and subtle textures. We can print with a peace of mind, knowing the final features will carry through.” Bottom line, the company can do more for their customers and as a result it continues to thrive in a competitive market.

Platinum Plus Designs sells to retailers throughout the United States, the majority of which come to them by word of mouth. They contribute this in large part to their customer service philosophy. “When we welcome a new customer, we like to take the time to educate them on the manufacturing process. It helps the customer understand the techniques being recommended and why they are best suited to the specific requirements of their design concept.”  As a result, customers are able to make better design decisions, and in the end, produce better jewelry.

The goal of every customer service technician at Platinum Plus is for customers to leave their designs with them feeling completely confident the results they are anticipating will be achieved. They will tell you their biggest thrill is when they see the customer’s first-time reaction to their own finished jewelry.  Sarah describes her own thoughts, “It’s exciting to see customers expanding their imaginations and producing designs they never before thought possible. Whether a customer comes to us looking to create a new line for their brand or a new design for their store inventory, we know our customer service will provide them with the knowledge and ability to reach for the stars.”

“With Solidscape, we do not have to worry about adding support wires to our designs. The system factors in where support is needed for us, saving time in both CAD and at the bench during finishing.” 

Sarah Michiko, Platinum Design

Breaking the Mold

Over time, Sarah has developed her own vision of what jewelry can be outside of the special occasion or investment pieces she designs for clients. Sarah Michiko Designs was born from this unique vision, “I believe the jewelry we wear should be an expression of who we are and how we live. My line encompasses a range of simple elegance designed to complement a customer’s individual sense of style and is something she can enjoy wearing every day. It becomes her in every sense of the word.”

Sarah also makes it a point to offer something for every budget. With the expertise she has learned while working at her father’s company, she can design with a specific price point in mind. “With Solidscape, we do not need to worry about adding support wires to our designs. The system factors in where support is needed for us, saving time in both CAD and at the bench during finishing.”

Sarah passionately believes thoughtful design can produce jewelry that expresses most anyone’s personal style.

Customer Profile - Platinum Plus Designs

Platinum Plus Designs
platinumplusdesigns.com
@Platinumplusdesigns
sarahmichikodesigns.com
@Sarahmichikodesigns
@Cadsbysarahmichiko
Industry
Jewelry Manufacturing
3D Printer Needs
Ultra-accurate, high precision 3D printing
In-house manufacturing capabilities
Extreme resolution to 3D print fine lines, crisp details and organic shapes
The Solidscape Advantage
No design limitations
Precision
Directly castable in all precious metals
Automatically generated, dissolvable support material
No curing or post printing
Reliable investment casting — no guesswork