Portland's Top Wedding Ring Designers

There are several options for couples looking to make their own wedding rings in Portland, Oregon. Ringed offers a two-day private DIY wedding ring-making workshop, where couples can forge their own rings under the guidance of expert jeweler Allison Ullmer. Nested Yellow also offers couples the opportunity to make their wedding rings in a day at their Portland jewelry studio. For those looking for a more traditional route, Malka Diamonds has a state-of-the-art jewelry workshop where master craftsman jewelers will help design and create a custom ring.

Custom-made wedding rings

Malka Diamonds, a third-generation diamond expert, houses a state-of-the-art custom jewellery workshop. Their master craftsman jewelers take pride in creating iconic, unique, and unforgettable pieces that stand the test of time. The process begins with a discussion about your vision, followed by sketching and computer-aided design. Next, you'll choose the perfect diamond, considering the 4 C's (clarity, cut, colour, and carat). The final steps involve designing the setting and crafting the ring to your specifications.

Ringed, a Portland-based jeweller, offers a unique Wedding Ring Experience. This two-day private workshop, guided by expert jeweller Allison Ullmer, allows couples to forge their own wedding rings. The experience includes a photography session, catered meals, a custom ring box, and a photo book. Ringed also offers virtual and in-person Build-A-Ring services, where couples can choose their own stones and settings.

Nested Yellow, located in the heart of Portland's historic West End, offers a personalised design process that transforms personal moments into meaningful jewellery. Couples can share their vision, explore design styles, and work with skilled artisans to create custom wedding bands that reflect their unique essence.

Betsy & Iya, a bespoke fine jewellery designer, takes a story-guided approach to creating custom wedding rings. Through a free one-on-one consultation, Betsy and her team listen to your story, style preferences, and budget to guide the design process. Sketches are prepared, revisions made, and materials sourced from ethical vendors to bring your vision to life.

These options showcase the diverse range of custom wedding ring offerings in Portland, Oregon, each providing a memorable and tailored experience for couples.

Eco-conscious metals and ethically sourced gems

Wedding rings are a symbol of love and commitment, and what better way to celebrate your love than with eco-conscious metals and ethically sourced gems? If you're looking to make your own wedding rings in Portland, Oregon, there are several options that allow you to create beautiful and sustainable jewellery.

Ringed, a Portland-based company, offers wedding ring workshops where you can make your own wedding rings using eco-conscious metals and responsibly sourced gems. Their signature line features unique and stunning designs, handcrafted and made-to-order. They also offer custom rings for men and gender non-conforming individuals, with gender-neutral styles catering to everyone's taste. Ringed uses 100% FAIRMINED gold in their classic wedding ring design and recycled 14K or 18K yellow gold or platinum in their 8.5mm Medium Baroque Band.

Another option is Betsy & Iya, a company that sets high standards for itself by using traceable, conflict-free stones and recycled metals in their jewellery. They offer custom work and have access to beautiful recycled/estate earth diamonds. Their fine jewellery metals are recycled, and their gold alloys are SCS-certified recycled. They also capture and reuse as much gold, silver, brass, and bronze as possible, and what can't be reused is recycled.

Nested Yellow Jewelry Co. is another Portland-based company committed to environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing, and marriage equality. They handcraft their jewellery with 100% reclaimed precious metals, Fairmined gold, and ethically sourced gemstones. They source their diamonds and coloured gemstones in accordance with fair trade and environmentally responsible principles, and they collaborate with a local gem house that works closely with small miners across America to offer a wide range of ethical gemstone options.

If you're looking for a unique experience, you can also make your own wedding rings at a private workshop in Portland, Oregon. With the guidance of expert jewellers, you'll forge your own wedding bands in a romantic and cozy studio filled with happy plants, flattering lighting, and beautiful scents. The average cost for a private workshop for two 14-karat gold rings is $3,500 per couple, and you can upgrade to 18-karat gold for an additional cost.

So, whether you choose to work with Ringed, Betsy & Iya, Nested Yellow Jewelry Co., or a private workshop, you can create eco-conscious and ethically sourced wedding rings that symbolise your love and commitment in a sustainable and responsible way.

Virtual consultations and workshops

If you're unable to attend a wedding ring workshop in person, some companies offer virtual consultations and workshops. This is an exciting way to create your dream ring from the comfort of your own home.

Virtual consultations typically involve meeting your designer via video call, where they will get to know you and your requirements. Based on your ideas and budget, they will then suggest design options, including rings worn on actual hands, so you can get a realistic idea of what your ring will look like.

You will also be able to discuss diamonds and gemstones, learning the basics of gemstone knowledge and how to customise your design to make it personal.

Virtual workshops are also available, where you can make your own wedding rings with guidance from an expert jeweler. These workshops can be private and typically include a photography session, catered food, a ring box, a photo book, and other perks.

• Ringed offers virtual consultations and workshops for those who want to make their own wedding rings. Their virtual workshops are for one or two people and include instruction and supervision from fine jeweler Allison Ullmer, private one-on-one attention, pre-workshop ring design conversations, a photo book, and more.
• Taylor & Hart provides virtual consultations where you can meet your design consultant and discuss your ideas, requirements, and budget. They will show you design options and help you choose the best diamonds or gemstones for your ring.
• Nested Yellow offers virtual consultations for couples who want to make their wedding rings together. Their virtual workshops are led by expert jeweler Anna, who provides guidance and a relaxing atmosphere for couples to create their rings.

These are just a few examples of businesses offering virtual consultations and workshops for wedding rings in Portland, Oregon. Be sure to research and compare multiple options to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Selecting the perfect diamond

Set a Budget

Before you begin, it is essential to establish a clear budget. Engagement rings can range from thousands to millions of dollars, so knowing your spending limit will help guide your choices. Don't forget to factor in additional costs such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Understand the 4Cs: Color, Clarity, Carat, and Cut

When selecting a diamond, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the 4Cs: color, clarity, carat, and cut. These characteristics are graded by independent laboratories and will significantly impact the diamond's price and overall quality.

• Color: Graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The rarer and more colorless diamonds are more valuable.
• Clarity: Refers to the absence of internal flaws (inclusions) and surface irregularities (blemishes). Graded on a scale from Flawless to Included, with fewer imperfections resulting in a rarer and more valuable diamond.
• Carat: The weight of a diamond measured in carats. One carat equals 1/5th of a gram or 200 milligrams. Carat weight is directly proportional to the diamond's size but not necessarily its value.
• Cut: The quality of the cut determines how well the diamond interacts with light. It includes the diamond's proportions, symmetry, and polish, which affect its brightness, scintillation (sparkle), and fire (color flashes).

Choose the Right Shape and Setting

The shape of a diamond refers to its outline or silhouette when viewed from above. Popular shapes include round, princess, cushion, oval, pear, marquise, emerald, and heart. Choose a shape that matches the personality and style of your partner.

The setting is the metal framework that holds the diamond in place. Common types include prong, bezel, pave, channel, halo, tension, and solitaire. Each setting has its advantages and disadvantages, so work with an expert to select the most suitable option.

Pick a Metal for the Band

Popular metal choices for bands include yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, and platinum. Consider factors such as durability, hypoallergenic properties, and visual appeal when making your selection.

• Yellow Gold: A classic choice, enchanting for its color, rarity, and luster. Typically alloyed with other metals to increase durability.
• Rose Gold: Warm, pinkish tone achieved by alloying gold with copper and silver.
• White Gold: Alloyed with white metals like nickel or palladium, creating a durable and beautiful choice.
• Platinum: A slightly grayish-white metal known for its extreme durability and corrosion resistance.

Select a Reputable Jeweler

Choosing a trustworthy and experienced jeweler is essential. Look for a jeweler with excellent reviews and a good reputation who offers a certificate of authenticity and warranty for their products. Ensure they have transparent pricing and exceptional customer service.

Know Your Partner's Style

Take cues from your partner's current jewelry preferences. Do they prefer gold or platinum? Are they drawn to statement pieces or minimal designs? Involving your partner in the process, even in small ways, can help ensure the ring aligns with their individuality and style.

Remember, while trends can offer inspiration, the goal is to find a timeless diamond ring that perfectly suits your partner's unique taste and personality.

Wax carving workshops

Wax carving is a popular method for creating wedding rings. In Portland, Oregon, there are several options for those interested in creating their own wedding rings through wax carving workshops.

Ringed, a studio in Portland, offers a private DIY metalsmith and jewellery-making workshop where couples can make their wedding bands, engagement rings, or other rings. The wax carving fabrication workshop includes a 5-7 hour fabrication or wax carving session with instruction and supervision from fine jeweller Allison Ullmer. The workshop also includes private, one-on-one attention, pre-workshop ring design conversations, a photo book of the experience, and more. The cost of the workshop ranges from $3,600 to $8,400, with additional costs for materials, engraving, stone setting, and shipping.

WolfTools also offers wax carving workshops in Portland, Maine. Their Rings Wax Carving Workshop is a 4-day hands-on workshop where participants will learn techniques such as layout, trimming, milling, textures, and stone setting. The cost of the workshop is $795, which includes materials and stones. While this particular workshop is not specifically for wedding rings, it provides an opportunity to learn the skills necessary to create them.

In addition to these options, there may be other local jewellers or studios in Portland, Oregon, that offer similar wax carving workshops for creating wedding rings. It is recommended to contact local jewellers or search online for further options.

Frequently asked questions