Handcrafted Wedding Rings: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making a handcrafted wedding ring is a meaningful way to express your love and commitment to your partner. Whether you're creating a wooden ring or a metal one, there are several steps involved in the process. It is important to have access to the proper tools and materials, such as metal or wood, a saw, a mandrel, and a polishing tool. The process typically involves cutting, shaping, and polishing the ring to the desired size and finish. For metal rings, you may also need to solder the ends together and set a stone. Creating a handcrafted wedding ring requires time, patience, and attention to detail, but the result is a unique and special piece of jewellery.

Choosing the right materials

Metal Type:

The choice of metal will impact the colour, durability, and cost of your ring. Common metal options for wedding rings include:

• Gold: A traditional choice that offers a classic, elegant look. Gold is available in various colours, such as yellow, rose, or white gold, and can be combined with other metals to vary its durability and price.
• Platinum: Platinum is a dense, strong metal that is often chosen for its durability and natural shine. It is a premium choice and tends to be more expensive than gold.
• Silver: Sterling silver is a popular option for jewellery making and can create a simple yet sophisticated wedding ring.
• Alternative metals: Some couples may opt for alternative metals such as titanium, tungsten, or cobalt, which offer a modern look and excellent durability.

Stones and Gems:

Adding stones or gems to your wedding ring can enhance its beauty and personal significance. Consider the following options:

• Diamonds: Diamonds are a traditional choice for engagement and wedding rings due to their brilliance and durability. They can be set in various cuts and shapes to suit your design preferences.
• Coloured gemstones: You can add a pop of colour to your ring with gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, or emeralds. These stones often carry symbolic meanings and can be chosen to represent your partner's birthstone or a significant colour.
• Personalised stones: For a unique touch, you may want to source a stone that holds personal significance. This could be a family heirloom or a stone from a special location.

Additional Decorative Elements:

To further customise your handcrafted wedding ring, you can incorporate additional decorative elements such as:

• Engravings: Adding an engraving to the inside or outside of the band is a way to include a meaningful message, date, or symbol.
• Textures and finishes: Experimenting with different textures and finishes, such as hammering or brushing, can give your ring a unique look and feel.
• Inlays: You can incorporate an inlay of a different metal or material to add contrast and visual interest to your ring. This could be a thin line of gold in a platinum band or even a wooden inlay for a natural touch.

Remember, the materials you choose should reflect your personal style and the intended wearer's preferences. Selecting high-quality materials will ensure your handcrafted wedding ring is durable, comfortable, and cherished for a lifetime.

Cutting the ring blanks

Firstly, select the right wood for your ring. Opt for a dense and sturdy variety, such as African Padauk or Ipe (Brazilian Walnut). These woods are not only strong but also add a touch of colour to your ring, with Padauk offering a reddish hue that matures into a warm brown, and Ipe a darker shade.

Now, you are ready to cut out the ring blanks. Using a saw (hacksaw, scroll saw or band saw), cut the wood so that the grain runs across the blank, not through it. This step is vital to prevent cracking during the subsequent processes. Cut the blanks into 1 3/8" size blocks, allowing for extra width to accommodate the sanding process.

If you already know your ring size, you can use a Speedbor or drill bit that is slightly smaller than the required size. Drill only halfway through, then flip the block over and continue drilling from the other side. Go slowly and carefully to avoid applying too much pressure, which could cause the wood to crack or chip.

Once you have drilled the hole, use a Dremel tool to sand down the hole until it fits your finger comfortably. Remember, it should slide over your knuckle with ease.

Finally, freehand the outer circle of the ring, or use a scribe to guide you. Cut off the corners to minimise the amount of sanding required in the next step.

Now that you have cut and shaped your ring blanks, you are ready to move on to the next step of sanding and refining the shape of your wooden wedding ring.

Drilling the hole

Firstly, select an appropriate drill bit size. If you already have a ring, choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the ring's hole. For a size 10 ring finger, a 3/4" bit is a good starting point. It is important to note that you should only drill halfway through the block and then flip it over to prevent chipping on the backside.

Now, it's time to start drilling. Go slow and don't apply too much pressure. If needed, gently rock the drill back and forth. Drill until you're about halfway through the block, then stop and flip the block over to prevent chipping. Continue drilling from the other side until you have a clean hole.

Once the hole is drilled, it's time to refine it. Using a Dremel tool or a similar rotary tool, sand down the hole to ensure a smooth finish. Remember, you don't want to force the wood onto your finger; it should slide over your knuckle easily. This step ensures a comfortable fit.

At this point, you can further refine the shape of the ring by freehanding the outer circle. Cut off the corners to save time on sanding in the next step.

Finally, it's time for sanding. This is a tedious step that requires patience and attention to detail. Sand the ring by hand or use a belt sander, ensuring you keep the ring moving to avoid creating a flat spot. Eyeball the ring as you sand to get it as close to the desired shape as possible. Finish this step by beveling the inside and outside edges of the ring.

Sizing the ring

Sizing a ring is a crucial step in making a handcrafted wedding ring. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure a comfortable and accurate fit:

Determining the Correct Ring Size:

• Use a Ring Size Chart: Printable ring size charts are readily available online. Cut out the ring sizer and wrap it around the base of your left ring finger. Slide the pointed end through the cut and pull gently until it fits snugly. Check the chart for your ring size.
• String or Floss Method: Take a piece of string or dental floss and wrap it around the base of your finger. Mark the point where the ends meet with a pen. Stretch the string along a ruler and note the length in millimetres. Divide this length by pi (3.14) to calculate the diameter of your finger. Compare this diameter to a ring size chart to determine your ring size.
• Paper Test: Cut a strip of paper long enough to wrap around the knuckle of the desired finger. Mark the point of intersection and measure the distance in centimetres. Refer to a ring size chart to determine the corresponding ring size. If your measurement falls between two sizes, always choose the larger size.
• Use an Existing Ring: If you already own a ring that fits the desired finger, you can measure its inner diameter with a ruler and compare it to a ring size chart. Alternatively, print a ring size chart and place the ring over the circles until you find the matching size.
• Plastic Belt Ring Sizer: Order a plastic belt ring sizer online. These tools are affordable and provide accurate measurements. Slide your finger into the sizer and try different sizes until you find the most comfortable fit.

Factors Affecting Ring Size:

When sizing a ring, it's important to consider various factors that can influence the fit:

• Finger Shape: Individuals with tapered fingers (widening downward toward the base) may require a snugger fit to prevent the ring from slipping off. Those with knotted fingers (where the knuckle is the widest part) might need a looser fit and may consider adding sizing beads.
• Band Width: The width of the band affects the overall fit. Thinner bands tend to run larger, while thicker bands provide a snugger fit due to the increased surface area.
• Time of Day and Environment: Our finger size can fluctuate throughout the day. It's recommended to measure ring size at the end of the day when fingers are typically warmer and larger. Avoid measuring first thing in the morning or when it's cold, as fingers tend to be smaller under these conditions.
• Activity and Diet: Strenuous activity, salty foods, and hot beverages can cause finger swelling. It's best to avoid these before measuring your ring size.
• Knuckle Size: If your knuckle is more extensive than the base of your finger, consider sizing between the two measurements to ensure the ring can slide over the knuckle comfortably.
• Accuracy and Consistency: To ensure accuracy, it's recommended to measure your ring size three to four times. Consistency is also essential; consider the activities you typically perform while wearing the ring and ensure the fit accommodates those activities.

Resizing Options:

If you end up with a ring that doesn't fit quite right, resizing may be an option:

• Resizing Up or Down: Jewelers can typically resize rings up to two sizes in either direction. However, this may compromise the ring's integrity if the adjustment is too significant.
• Band Thickness: Keep in mind that band thickness can affect the ring size. A thicker band may require a larger size, while a thinner band may need a smaller size.
• Eternity Bands: Eternity bands with diamonds or gemstones around the entire band have limited resizing capabilities due to the stone settings. These rings can usually only be resized by a small amount if there is enough excess metal.
• Number of Resizes: Frequent resizing is not recommended as it can take a toll on the metal. If multiple resizes are necessary, it may be better to remake the ring entirely.
• Resizing Up vs. Down: It's a common misconception that resizing a ring smaller is easier than making it larger. In reality, both processes are equally feasible for a skilled jeweler.

Sanding and polishing

Once you have the basic shape of your ring, it's time to refine it through sanding and polishing. This is a crucial step in ensuring your ring has a smooth, comfortable finish. Below is a detailed guide on how to do this:

Sanding:

Sanding is a process of smoothing and shaping a surface by abrading it with sandpaper or a specialised tool, such as a Dremel or belt sander. It is an essential step in achieving a professional finish for your ring.

Start by using a relatively coarse grit sandpaper, such as 100-1500 grit, to remove any imperfections, bumps, or marks left over from the previous steps. Take your time with this process, as it is important to get an even finish. Pay particular attention to the inside of the ring, ensuring that it is smooth and comfortable to wear. Use a Dremel tool to help you sand the inside of the ring effectively, being careful not to apply too much pressure, which could result in an uneven finish.

For a wooden ring, it is important to respect the grain of the wood during the sanding process. Sand with the grain, not against it, to avoid cracking or damaging the wood.

Polishing:

Polishing is the final step in finishing your ring and will give it a beautiful shine. There are several ways to polish a ring, depending on the material you have used.

For a metal ring, you can use a rotary tool with a polishing attachment, or you can polish by hand with a soft cloth and polishing compound. Move the polishing cloth in small circles over the surface of the ring to achieve an even finish.

For a wooden ring, you can use oil to polish and protect the wood. Tung oil is a good option, as it dries to a plastic-like consistency, filling in the natural pores of the wood while showcasing the colour and grain. Simply coat the ring with oil, rub it in, and add multiple coats if desired.

Your handmade wedding ring is now complete! This process will ensure your ring has a professional, refined finish that will be comfortable and durable for everyday wear.

Frequently asked questions