A product visualization and manufacturing system and method which bridges two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) technologies in order to quickly and effectively display the product. The system and methods are helpful for many different product types, but especially for custom-designed jewelry products. The 2D/3D bridging invention enables a user to generate a three-dimensional generic base model of a product, modify the three-dimensional generic base model using two-dimensional image manipulation, and display a three-dimensional customized base model of a customized product. Templates, material libraries, HDRI maps, and lighting schemes may be employed.