I agree that developing your own creative solutions to modeling has definite advantages...If you stick with it, you'll learn to model outside the box. It comes down to work style/comfort level and affordability for most of us.. Some jewelers prefer a jewelry specific program and some don't. I've noticed that some experienced modelers who started out with expensive jewelry specific plug-ins, eventually let go of the "training wheels" and model directly in Rhino, unhindered by pre-existing shapes and templates... thereby becoming less prone to making typical cookie-cutter looking CAD jewelry.
I have to agree; I think unfettered 3d modeling programs are more
likely to lead to creative solutions than by-the-numbers templated
versions, which are also a lot more expensive.
I sell these products for the same prices, and I’m here on the
Orchid list for feedback as well.
Andrew Werby