I am a jewelry model maker
I have a Taig with fourth axis for a few months and started with 3D contouring in wax. Pretty much in the experiment phase but here is an example of one of my first test pieces. Not jewelry per say but a good example of some 3D mill surfacing that can be done. I also included a pic of the mill.
As of late I have been using it to cut parts direct into white metal with 2.5 D pocketing and contouring but hope to soon get back to the surfacing.
Check out this wikki I found it useful when I was looking.
http://www.tabletopmachinewiki.com/w...Jewelry_Primer
There are some machines (Roland.......) that are geared strictly toward jewelry but from what I have seen are somewhat expensive for what they are and limited in thier capabilities as far as size and materials accessories and versatility. Unlike a true mill. I like have the option of making tools or larger models if I so choose and will be.
As far as software. I have heard alot of ppl use rhino as a all purpose software option. Affordable and decent. There are a few jewelry geared softwares that are obviosly pre setup to make jewelry. But I have heard thet they can be limited in use and things start looking the same and generic. I use solid works personally for design. I am proficient in it and have it from work so for me its a higher end software for free. Cant beat that
I use mesh cam or Desk CNC as g-code converters depending on what I am doing. Each have thier strengths and purpose for different types of operations.
I use Mach 3 as my controller software
Note: there is definately a learning curve here though. From machine setup to learning software to toolpath generation and software operation