Handcrafting Gold Wedding Bands: A Guide For Beginners

Making your own wedding ring is a unique and fun experience. It is a simple, beginner-level process that anyone can accomplish with the right coaching, materials, and tools. You can choose to make your ring in a workshop with an instructor or design it yourself and have it made by a jeweller. Either way, the process is straightforward and allows you to customise your ring by choosing the metal, finish, and any embellishments you desire. The cost of making your own wedding ring will depend on the workshop fee and the cost of materials, which can vary depending on the type of metal, finger size, width, thickness, and karat of gold. Ultimately, creating your own wedding ring is a memorable and meaningful experience that will result in a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery that you will cherish forever.

Choosing the gold type

Karat Weight:

The karat weight of gold indicates its purity, with 24 karats being pure gold. Common weights for jewellery include 10K, 14K, and 18K. Higher karat weights contain more gold, resulting in a richer colour and higher value. However, lower karat weights, such as 10K or 14K, are more durable due to the presence of other metals, making them ideal for everyday wear.

Gold Colour:

Gold is available in various colours, including yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. The colour is determined by the metals alloyed with gold. Yellow gold is the purest shade, achieved with silver and copper alloys. White gold has a silvery hue due to alloys like palladium or nickel, while rose gold has a pink tint from a higher copper content.

Durability and Allergens:

When choosing a gold type, consider its durability and any potential allergens. For instance, white gold often contains nickel, which can cause skin irritation for some individuals. If you're seeking a hypoallergenic option, consider palladium white gold, which uses palladium instead of nickel, or opt for higher karat weights with fewer alloys. Additionally, rose gold's high copper content may cause tarnishing over time, requiring regular polishing.

Cost:

The cost of gold varies depending on its karat weight and colour. Generally, higher karat weights are more expensive due to their higher gold content. Additionally, certain colours, such as white gold, may also carry a higher price tag due to the alloys used. When selecting your gold type, consider your budget and the overall cost of the ring-making process.

Personal Preference:

Ultimately, the choice of gold type should align with your personal taste and style. Consider the jewellery you usually wear and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve with your wedding ring. Whether you prefer a classic look, a modern twist, or a unique design, selecting the right gold type will ensure your wedding ring is a perfect match.

Selecting the ring shape

Selecting the shape of your wedding ring is an important step in the ring-making process. The shape of the ring will determine its overall look and feel, so it's crucial to choose a style that reflects your taste and personality. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the shape of your gold wedding ring:

Band Style

Firstly, decide on the band style of your ring. The band is the circular part of the ring that wraps around your finger. Wedding ring bands typically come in two styles: flat or half-round. A flat band has a straight, sleek profile, while a half-round band has a slightly curved shape that gives it a more traditional look. The choice between a flat or half-round band depends on your personal preference and the desired level of comfort. Flat bands often have a more modern and minimalist aesthetic, while half-round bands can be more comfortable for those with larger knuckles.

Edge Design

The next step is to choose the edge design of your ring. The edge is the outer border of the band, and it can be customised to add a unique touch to your ring. There are several edge styles to choose from, including beveled, stepped, and rounded. A beveled edge features an angled cut that gives the ring a subtle geometric flair. A stepped edge has a more pronounced, angular design that resembles the appearance of steps. On the other hand, a rounded edge offers a soft, curved transition between the top and bottom surfaces of the band, creating a smooth and elegant look.

Width

Another important consideration when selecting your ring shape is the width of the band. Wedding ring bands typically come in standard widths of 6mm or 8mm. A 6mm width is the most common choice, offering a comfortable fit for most finger sizes. However, if you prefer a bolder look, you can opt for an 8mm width, which makes a more dramatic statement. Keep in mind that the width of the band can also affect the overall comfort and proportion of the ring on your finger.

Profile

The profile of your wedding ring refers to the shape of the band from the side view. The most popular profiles include domed, flat, and beveled. A domed profile features a curved, convex shape that gives the ring a classic and traditional appearance. A flat profile, as the name suggests, has a straight and level surface, making it a popular choice for minimalists. A beveled profile combines a flat top with angled edges, adding a touch of modernity to the ring's design.

Finish

Finally, selecting the right finish for your gold wedding ring will enhance its overall appearance. A satin finish gives the ring a subtle, soft sheen, while a polished finish creates a bright and shiny surface that reflects light beautifully. For a more rustic or vintage look, a distressed finish can be applied to create a worn-in effect. Alternatively, a hammered finish adds texture and dimension to the ring, resulting in a unique, handcrafted appearance.

Adding stones

Types of Stones

Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of stone you want to add to your ring. Popular choices include diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires, but you can choose any type of gemstone or even a synthetic stone. Consider the colour, cut, and hardness of the stone, as well as its compatibility with the metal of your ring. For example, a ring made of stainless steel may not be the best option for adding certain types of stones.

Methods for Adding Stones

There are several methods for adding stones to a ring, depending on the desired result and the existing structure of the ring.

Head Replacement

If the original head of the ring can be removed, a jeweller can saw it off and replace it with a new setting that accommodates the new stone.

Additional Settings

This method involves adding side stones to an existing ring by creating prong settings or building a bezel using wire.

Flush Setting

This process involves setting the stone directly into the metal of the ring, requiring the jeweller to create a hole in the band. This method is best suited for plain bands and adding additional side stones.

Bezel Cups

Bezel cups are ready-made settings that can be soldered onto your ring design. Once the cup is attached, you can insert your chosen stone and use a pusher or bezel rocker to secure it in place.

Wire Wrapping

Wire wrapping allows for creative designs and experimentation. You can use different types of wire, such as sterling silver, to wrap around gemstone beads and create unique ring designs.

Customisation

If you are unable to modify your existing ring, you can always consider having a custom ring made that incorporates your desired stones. This may involve creating a 3D design based on the original ring and modifying it to include your chosen stones. This way, you can still retain the essence of the original design while adding your own personal touch.

Ring engraving

Once you've made your own gold wedding ring, you might want to consider engraving it. Engraving is a great way to personalise your ring and make it even more special. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Types of Engraving

There are a few different types of engraving to choose from. The most common type is hand engraving, where a skilled craftsman uses a small tool to cut into the metal and create the desired design. Machine engraving is another option, which is done with a mechanical engraver. Finally, laser engraving uses a laser to cut into the metal and create a very precise design.

Design Options

When it comes to the design of your engraving, the sky's the limit. You can choose to engrave a special message, your wedding date, your partner's name, or even a meaningful quote. You can also incorporate different fonts, symbols, or even your own handwriting into the design.

Metal Considerations

It's important to keep in mind that not all metals are suitable for engraving. Softer metals, such as gold and silver, are generally easier to engrave than harder metals like platinum. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult with a professional engraver to get their advice.

Timing

If you plan to engrave your wedding ring, it's important to allow enough time for the process. Engraving can take some time, especially if the design is complex. In general, it's best to plan for at least a few weeks between when you finish making your ring and when you need it to be ready for your wedding.

Cost

The cost of engraving will vary depending on the complexity of the design and the type of metal being engraved. Be sure to get a quote from the engraver beforehand so you can factor the cost into your overall budget.

Overall, engraving your own gold wedding ring is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your special day. With careful planning and the help of a skilled engraver, you can create a unique and meaningful ring that you'll treasure forever.

Polishing and finishing

Once you have shaped your ring, you will need to file and finish it to make the seam disappear. The type of finish you choose to apply to your ring will depend on the level of finish and texture you want to achieve.

A high polish finish will give your ring a bright, classic look, perfect for catching the light. To achieve this, use a polishing cloth or a soft cloth with a small amount of polishing compound. Rub the ring gently in a circular motion, ensuring you reach all areas of the ring.

For a matte finish, you can use a brushed finish technique. This will give your ring a less refined look. Use a soft-bristled brush or a Scotch-Brite pad to gently rub the surface of the ring. Move the brush in one direction, applying light pressure, until you achieve the desired effect.

If you want to add texture to your ring, you can use a hammered finish. This will give your ring a unique, handmade look. Place your ring on a flat, protected surface and use a metal hammer to gently tap the surface, creating indentations. You can vary the size and spacing of the indentations to create different patterns and textures.

Other finishing options include a brushed finish, which will give your ring a soft, subtle shine, and a textured finish, which can be created by using different tools such as hammers and other texturing tools.

After polishing and finishing your ring, you may want to add some final touches, such as stone setting, engraving, or Rhodium plating. These additional embellishments can enhance the beauty and uniqueness of your ring.

Frequently asked questions