Crafting Wedding Rings: A Step-By-Step Guide

A handcrafted wedding ring is a unique and thoughtful way to symbolise your love and commitment to your partner. Making your own wedding rings is a special experience that you can do together, creating lasting memories. It is a fun and productive process, where you can work with a professional artist to design and create timeless rings. With a range of materials and designs to choose from, you can add a personal touch to your rings, making them truly one-of-a-kind.

Choosing materials: 14K or 18K gold, in yellow, rose or palladium white gold

When choosing the material for your wedding ring, there are several factors to consider, including the colour, durability, and value of the metal.

Colour

14K and 18K gold both contain a mix of natural yellow gold, zinc, silver, and copper, but in different ratios. 18K gold has a higher gold content, with 18/24 parts gold, while 14K gold has 14/24 parts gold. This higher gold content gives 18K gold a slightly darker appearance. However, the difference is subtle, and most people cannot tell the difference between 14K and 18K gold unless the rings are placed side by side.

In addition to yellow gold, you can also choose rose gold or white gold for your wedding ring. Rose gold gets its reddish or pinkish colour from the presence of copper in the alloy. The more copper used, the deeper the tone of rose gold. On the other hand, white gold is formed by adding gold to white metals like zinc, palladium, silver, or nickel, resulting in a silvery-white colour.

Durability

Gold is a soft and pliable metal, which makes it useful for jewellery as it can be easily shaped and reshaped. However, this also means that it is fragile and needs to be mixed with other metals to strengthen it for use in jewellery. 14K gold is slightly stronger and more durable than 18K gold due to its higher proportion of other metals in the alloy. If you lead an active lifestyle or work frequently with your hands, 14K gold may be a better choice for your wedding ring.

White gold alloys, which include metals such as palladium, nickel, silver, or manganese, are also known for their durability. White gold is often covered with a rhodium plating, which adds a protective effect but needs to be replated every year. Rose gold, on the other hand, is considered the strongest type of gold due to the presence of copper, a very sturdy metal.

Value

The value of a wedding ring is not just about its monetary worth but also its social and personal value. 18K gold is worth more than 14K gold due to its higher gold content. However, it is important to consider how wearing a particular ring will make you feel. Does knowing that your ring has more gold content make you feel better about it? Additionally, the type of gold you choose may be influenced by social norms. For example, 14K gold is the norm in the United States, while 18K gold is more common in Europe.

Skin Tone

When choosing the colour of your wedding ring, you may want to consider your skin tone. Yellow gold and rose gold typically go well with warm and neutral skin tones, while white gold suits cool and neutral skin tones. However, rose gold is quite versatile and complements all skin tones, making it a great unisex choice.

Selecting a style: classic, minimal, timeless, textured, matte, brushed or polished

Selecting a style for your wedding ring is a highly personal choice. The ring should reflect your personality and lifestyle, and it is important to choose something that you genuinely love and will be comfortable wearing every day. Here are some popular styles to consider:

Classic

Classic wedding rings are timeless and elegant, featuring traditional design elements such as clean lines, solitaire settings, and dainty pavé accents. They tend to be simple and understated, making them versatile and perfect for everyday wear. Classic rings often feature a single diamond or gemstone as the centre stone, secured by metal prongs or a bezel setting. This style is a great choice if you want your ring to be the focal point, without any distractions.

Minimal

Minimalist wedding rings are characterised by simple designs and clean lines. They typically have a smooth, flat surface with no gemstones, engravings, or textures. Plain metal bands, usually made of gold or platinum, are a popular choice for minimalism. While they may seem boring to some, these rings are versatile and elegant. They can be paired with any engagement ring style and are often less expensive than more elaborate options.

Timeless

Timeless wedding rings are those that never go out of style. They feature classic design elements that are simple, elegant, and understated. Plain bands are a great example of timeless wedding rings, as they are classic, versatile, and will never go out of fashion. Additionally, classic diamond rings with a metal band and a centre stone are considered timeless due to their simplicity and elegance.

Textured

Textured wedding rings have unique designs and patterns etched or engraved onto the band, adding depth and dimension to the ring. This style is perfect for those who want something more intricate and eye-catching. Textured rings can be created by using different metals, adding gemstones or other materials, or incorporating unique design elements.

Matte

Matte wedding rings have a soft, subtle shine, as opposed to the high gloss of a traditional polished ring. They have a modern and contemporary look and are a great choice for those who want something different. Matte finishes can be applied to various metals, including gold, platinum, and alternative metals like tungsten or titanium.

Brushed

Brushed wedding rings have a soft, textured finish created by brushing the metal with a wire brush, giving it a distinctive look and feel. This style is perfect for those who want something unique and less shiny than a traditional polished ring. Brushed finishes can be applied to various metals and are often chosen for their ability to hide scratches and scuffs.

Polished

Polished wedding rings have a high gloss, mirror-like finish that reflects light and adds sparkle to the ring. They are the most traditional and classic choice, and their shine can make the ring appear more prominent and noticed. Polished rings are easy to clean and maintain, but they may require more frequent cleaning to maintain their shine.

Adding personalisation: stamped inscriptions or custom shapes

Adding personalisation to your wedding ring is a great way to make your jewellery feel unique and special. There are many ways to do this, from adding stamped inscriptions to creating custom shapes.

Stamped inscriptions are a popular choice for couples who want to add a personal touch to their wedding rings. You can include meaningful dates, initials, or even a romantic saying that holds significance. Some couples also choose to add personalised symbols, such as paw prints to represent their pets, or cultural and religious symbols. If you prefer a more formal look, you can opt for a formal font for your inscription.

When it comes to custom shapes, you can incorporate elements that are meaningful to you and your partner. For example, you could add a subtle wave pattern to represent the seaside where you first met. You can also use unusual engraving options, such as handwriting, family crests, geographical locations, or inside jokes to create a truly one-of-a-kind ring.

In addition to custom shapes and engravings, you might also consider incorporating birthstones or stones from a special location. This adds a unique aesthetic and a touch of colour to your ring. You can even repurpose heirloom gold to create your wedding rings, which is a meaningful way to honour your family's history and a sustainable option.

Whether you choose stamped inscriptions, custom shapes, or both, personalising your wedding rings will make them truly yours and create a lasting reminder of your love and commitment.

Sizing: choosing the width, thickness and shape of the ring

When it comes to sizing, choosing the width, thickness, and shape of your wedding ring is a highly personal decision. There are no rules, and you should choose whatever width, thickness, and shape that you prefer. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind.

First, the width of the ring will depend on your finger size and whether you want a delicate or bold look. The standard widths for women's rings range from 1.6mm to 4mm, while men's rings typically range from 4mm to 7mm. If you have small hands or thin fingers, a narrower band may be more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Wider bands tend to have a more modern and contemporary feel, while thinner bands are typically more delicate and understated. Additionally, wider bands may require a larger ring size to fit comfortably over the knuckle.

Second, the thickness of the ring is also important. While there is no standard measurement for ring thickness, it generally correlates with the width. Wider rings tend to be thicker, while thinner rings are narrower. Thicker rings may be more durable, but they can also be more expensive due to the increased amount of material used. Thinner rings, on the other hand, may be more comfortable and easier to resize.

Finally, the shape of the ring can vary. Some common shapes include court profiles, which are rounded on both the internal and external edges for a comfortable fit; D-shaped rings, which are rounded on the exterior edge and flat on the interior; and flat rings, which have a rectangular cross-section with crisp, right-angled corners. Flat rings are often chosen for their contemporary look and snug fit. Another option is the flat court ring, which combines a modern external shape with a comfortable internal curve.

Ultimately, the width, thickness, and shape of your wedding ring should be guided by your personal preferences, comfort, and lifestyle. It is recommended to try on different rings to get a sense of what feels and looks best for you.

Setting stones: adding small diamonds, moissanites or sapphires

Adding stones to your wedding ring is a great way to mark a special occasion, such as a wedding anniversary. You can transform a plain wedding ring by adding small diamonds, moissanites, or sapphires in various settings. The cost of this customisation will depend on the number and size of the stones added, as well as their quality.

When setting small stones, the most popular cuts are round brilliant and square princess. These cuts are suitable for slim wedding rings. You can also choose to match the stone shape with your engagement ring. For example, if you have an emerald-cut engagement ring, you can use baguette cuts that flow along a machine-cut channel.

The depth of your wedding ring band will limit the size of the stone you can set. Lighter bands are only suitable for tiny diamonds, while larger gems require a deeper band and greater setting depth. If you want to add larger stones, consider a raised bezel setting, which will give you more options.

If you're thinking of adding stones to mark a special occasion, you can choose to progressively add stones around your wedding ring. This works well for settings such as flush or grain settings. For example, you can add one diamond for each anniversary.

When setting stones, it's important to consider the durability and security of the setting. Prong settings are a classic choice, with four or six metal prongs that curve over the stone to hold it securely in place. Another secure option is the bezel setting, which encircles the stone with a thin metal rim, providing a modern and clean look.

Frequently asked questions