Crafting Unique Wedding Bands

Forging your own wedding bands is a unique and memorable experience that you can do at a number of jewellery workshops. With the help of an experienced instructor, you can create a one-of-a-kind ring, imbued with your love and memories. Basic rings can be made in around 3-5 hours, with the whole process taking up to 7 hours. You can choose from a variety of precious metals, including gold, platinum, palladium, and sterling silver, and add diamonds or gemstones to your design. The cost of the workshop and materials will vary depending on your chosen metal and design, but it's an experience that will create lasting memories and a truly special ring.

Choosing a workshop

When choosing a workshop to forge your own wedding bands, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the location of the workshop and whether you are willing to travel to your chosen destination. For example, DIY Ring Workshops are based in Tucson, Arizona, while With These Rings is located in Port Townsend, Washington. The location of the workshop may influence your decision, especially if you are looking for a particular setting or experience, such as a trip to the Sonoran Desert offered by DIY Ring Workshops.

Secondly, think about the type of instruction you would prefer. Some workshops, like DIY Ring Workshops, offer both private and semi-private classes, allowing you to choose between a one-on-one experience or a small group setting. Other workshops, such as With These Rings and Sterling & Steel, specialize in private events, ensuring that the class is exclusive to you and your partner or chosen companions. Additionally, consider whether you would like to work with a specific instructor. For instance, With These Rings is led by Washington jeweler Stephanie Selle, allowing you to learn from her expertise and experience.

Thirdly, the materials available and the associated costs are important factors to consider. Most workshops offer a range of precious metals to choose from, including gold, platinum, palladium, and silver. However, the cost of materials may vary, and some workshops may provide more affordable options than others. For instance, Sterling & Steel offers a workshop fee of $550 per ring, which includes a stainless steel ring, while the average price to fabricate a set of 14k gold rings at With These Rings is $1,100 to $2,000. It is worth noting that the final cost of your rings will depend on various factors such as the type of metal, ring size, width, and any additional elements or gemstones.

Lastly, consider the time commitment required for the workshop. Basic rings can typically be made in 3-7 hours, but some workshops may require multiple sessions or a full day. It is also important to inquire about the booking process, as some workshops, like Fitzgerald Jewelry, require a confirmation email and scheduling based on availability.

Overall, when choosing a workshop, it is essential to consider your preferences for location, instruction type, materials, costs, and time commitment. By taking these factors into account, you can select a workshop that aligns with your needs and expectations, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience as you forge your own wedding bands.

Selecting materials

Gold:

Gold is a traditional choice for wedding bands and is valued for its style, malleability, and versatility. It comes in a variety of colours, including white, yellow, and rose, allowing you to match your ring to your skin tone or clothing. Gold is a precious metal, so it can be more expensive than other options.

Carbon Fibre:

Carbon fibre is an extremely tough and scratch-resistant material, making it ideal for those who work with their hands or engage in physical activities. It is also very lightweight and has a unique "marbled" aesthetic, making it a fashionable choice. Carbon fibre rings are usually cheaper than gold or platinum rings.

Tungsten:

Tungsten is a heavy metal that is ten times harder than 18K gold and is also hypoallergenic and scratch-resistant. It is a good choice for those who want a sleek and modern look for their wedding band.

Titanium:

Titanium is known for its strength, scratch resistance, and lightweight properties. It is also hypoallergenic and easy on the budget, making it a popular choice for wedding bands.

Black Titanium:

Black titanium wedding bands offer a mysterious and edgy look with their metallic black shine. They have the same properties as regular titanium but with a unique design aesthetic.

Black Zirconium:

Black zirconium is a sleek, bold, and hypoallergenic material. It is safe to wear in most professions and situations, except when working with corrosive materials or heavy machinery. It offers a modern alternative to traditional metal bands.

Silicone:

Silicone rings are perfect for those who work with their hands due to their flexibility and durability. They are a safe option as they will flex with your hand's movements, reducing the risk of hand injuries. Silicone rings are also affordable, making them a practical choice.

Damascus Steel:

Damascus steel has a rich history, used in Indian warrior blades sought after by Vikings and crusaders. Modern technology has brought this metal back, and it is now used to create unique, wavy-patterned wedding bands. Each ring is one-of-a-kind, with unparalleled strength and a beautiful, distinctive look.

When selecting materials for your wedding bands, consider your daily activities, personal style, and any allergies or sensitivities you may have. The material you choose will be with you for a lifetime, so take the time to find the perfect option that suits your needs and preferences.

Workshop activities

The workshop will begin with an introduction to the tools and materials you'll be using, followed by a brief tutorial on the ring-making process. You'll then be guided through the process of creating your own unique wedding bands, step by step, with the help of an experienced instructor.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the activities:

• Design Inspiration: You'll start by discussing your design ideas and inspiration with the instructor. This will help you decide on the style, shape, and overall look of your rings.
• Wax Carving: Under the guidance of the instructor, you'll learn the traditional jewelry-making technique of wax carving. You'll create a wax model of your ring design, which will then be cast into metal.
• Casting: The instructor will guide you through the process of casting your wax models into metal. This involves sending the wax models to a casting house, where they will be transformed into metal rings.
• Cleaning and Polishing: In the second session, you'll clean and polish your cast metal rings, giving them a smooth and shiny finish.
• Customization: You can choose to add textured surfaces to your rings using hammers and other tools. You may also opt for matte, brushed, or polished surfaces. Additionally, you can include custom personalization through stamped inscriptions.
• Final Touches: Before taking your rings home, you'll have the opportunity to make any final adjustments and add any additional elements, such as small flush-set diamonds, moissanites, or sapphires.

Throughout the workshop, the instructor will be there to answer any questions and ensure that you create high-quality, professional-looking rings. The process is designed to be enjoyable and memorable, allowing you to forge wedding bands that are rich with love and memories.

Cost

The cost of forging your own wedding bands will depend on the workshop you choose, the materials you use, and any additional elements.

Workshop Fees

Workshop fees can vary depending on the location, instructor, and services included. Some workshops charge a flat fee for the course, while others may offer a package that includes the cost of materials and other amenities. For example, The Smithery in Columbus, Ohio, charges a workshop booking fee of $725, which includes exclusive use of their studio, private instruction, digital photos, lunch, a ring box, fresh flowers, and a bottle of bubbly.

Material Costs

The cost of materials will depend on the type of metal you choose, the size and width of the rings, and the current market price. Common metal options include 14K or 18K yellow gold, rose gold, or palladium white gold. The cost of these metals can vary significantly, with 14K yellow/rose gold being less expensive than 18K palladium white gold. The size and width of the rings will also impact the cost, with wider bands for larger fingers typically costing more than dainty, thin bands.

Additional Costs

In addition to the workshop fee and material costs, there may be other costs to consider, such as travel expenses if you are attending a workshop in another city or state. Some workshops may also offer additional services or customisations for an extra fee, such as adding stones or diamonds to your rings. For example, DIY Ring Workshops in Tucson, Arizona, offers private or semi-private classes and provides various precious metals and diamonds or gems to choose from.

It's important to carefully review the inclusions and exclusions of any workshop you are considering and ask about any potential hidden costs to ensure you have an accurate understanding of the total expense.

Adding stones

Type of Stones

You can choose from a variety of stones to add to your wedding bands, including diamonds, moissanites, sapphires, opals, and more. Consider the colour, size, and shape of the stones that will best complement your ring design and metal choice.

Setting Techniques

The type of setting you choose will depend on the size and shape of your stones, as well as the overall design of your ring. Some common setting techniques include pave setting and flush setting. In pave setting, multiple stones are set close together with small metal beads or prongs holding them in place. Flush setting involves setting a single stone into the metal so that it sits flush with the surface of the band.

Cost

Timing

Keep in mind that setting stones is a separate process from forging the band itself and will require additional time. In some cases, you may need to leave your ring with the jeweller for a week or more after the initial forging workshop to have the stones set.

Care and Maintenance

Remember that adding stones to your wedding bands may require special care and maintenance. Be sure to ask your jeweller about any specific care instructions for your particular stones and settings. Regular cleaning and polishing may be recommended to maintain the sparkle and brilliance of your stones.

Frequently asked questions