According to Shapeways, “3D printed sterling silver products are made using a two-step process. The products are created with a lost-wax casting process using a high-resolution 3D wax printer. After printing the wax model, the wax model is cast in plaster. The wax then melts out and silver is poured in the plaster mold. Silver is mostly used for high quality jewelry. It comes in regular and glossy. Regular silver may show print lines and is a bit rougher. The glossy is hand polished to achieve a smooth, shiny finish. Please note that only well-reachable surfaces can be polished!”
For those interested in using the material Shapeways charges a handling fee ($45 (up to 1.7cc), $78 (1.7-3.4cc), no fee (above 3.4cc)) for each model and the price of the material is $28 (up to 3.4cc) and $75 (above 3.4cc) .
Image Courtesy of Shapeways