From configurator-database.com the definition of a configurator:

“Simply put, a configurator is a software application for designing products exactly matching customers’ individual needs.”

They posted videos from the mass customization gurus:

YouTube.com/user/configuratordatabase

To me, a configurator is a jewelry design tool so easy that consumers can use it. The super easy tools will wind up as banner ads, harder tools will expand from the easier tools. I see a world in 5-10 years that there will be a full blend of jewelry design tools available from simple mass custom configurators to professional tools(training required) all available in a internet browser.

My idea of a configurator for mass custom jewelry is like the corny Flash games(advertisements) you see on websites. It must work in any browser without the permission of the user. It’s an advertisement that expands to become a jewelry design tool. I say it must be written in Flash because Flash is ubiquitous, and can do the job. It’s on more machines that Windows. For a long time I was held up on the idea that these tools had to be in 3D. 3D for flash is out there, but I think the smart companies will use 2D to start. It’s so much easier to write 2D tools.

Gemvision calls the configurators “builders” in their jewelry design software call Matrix. I call it a tool or builder, sometimes a configurator. My take on this, for many years, is the configurator needs to be run by the consumer. Even if it’s just to get their mouth wet so a professional can take over. People think I’m nuts when I say this, but I feel this mass custom jewelry market is going to be huge!

It may seem weird if you look back in time at this post, but the only way to present a great 3D tool for the consumer to design jewelry is an installed program, or browser plug-in. Both of these require permission from the user. You highly limit your customer base when you do this.

So here is my prediction: In five years 3D jewelry design tools for the browser written in Flash will be used in advertising on main stream websites. They will be viewable on mobile devices. Five years from now people are going to be in jewelry stores with jewelry design software on their phone playing with it like a video game.