Make Your Own Wedding Rings
A private workshop for two, in my studio at the Hotwalls in Old Portsmouth
Making your own wedding rings adds a layer of meaning to the whole thing. You spend a day together, learn how it's actually done, and leave with rings you made yourselves.
Most couples arrive slightly nervous and leave wondering why they were. You don't need any experience. I'll guide you through every step.
How it works
1. We meet first
You come to the studio for a consultation. We talk through what you'd both like, choose your metal, take proper ring measurements, and find a date that works.
No obligation at this stage. It's as much about you deciding whether this feels right as anything else.
2. I send you a quote
After the consultation you get a personalised quotation, so you know exactly where you stand before committing to anything.
3. You secure your date
A deposit covering the cost of your metal books the day. That's the part I buy in advance, so it's the part I ask for upfront. The balance can be paid before or on the day itself.
4. Your ring making day
10am until around 4pm. More on that below.
5. Hallmarking, then collection
Your rings stay with me afterwards to be professionally hallmarked at a UK assay office. They're usually ready to collect about two weeks later.
What it costs
The workshop is £450. That covers:
A private workshop for the two of you — no one else in the studio
Hallmarking of both rings
A wedding ring box
Plus the cost of your metal, which depends on what you choose and how your rings are designed. I'll give you an exact figure at the quote stage, so there are no surprises.
The day itself
It's meant to be enjoyable, not an exam. Tea, coffee and biscuits throughout, and plenty of chances to stop and take it in.
We start in copper
Your first rings of the day are practice ones, made in copper. It's the best way
to get familiar with the tools before touching anything precious, and it settles
the nerves properly.
The copper rings are yours to keep — a second, slightly wonkier souvenir of the day.
Then the real thing
Once you're both comfortable, you move on to your chosen metal. I'll take you through it step by step, and I'm there the whole way.
Lunch
Bring something with you if you'd rather, or take a break and try one of the cafés nearby — Old Portsmouth is a lovely spot to wander for half an hour.
Timings
Usually 10am to 4pm, though it flexes a bit depending on your designs and how the day unfolds. Nobody is rushed out of the door.
Questions people ask
-
None at all. Most couples have never picked up a jeweller's saw before.
-
Ideally you'll be making your rings at least four weeks before the wedding, which allows time for hallmarking and engraving if you'd like it. I do get booked up, so it's worth getting the date in the diary well in advance.
If you're closer to the wedding than that, there is a faster hallmarking option, which costs an extra £60.
-
Silver, 9ct in white, rose or yellow, and 18ct in white, rose or yellow.
I don't offer platinum at the moment, though it's something I'd like to add in future.
-
Yes, engraving is an optional extra at around £45 per ring. Most couples choose a date or initials inside the band.
-
You won't ruin anything. That's what the copper practice rings are for, and I'm beside you throughout. Metal is more forgiving than people expect.
-
This workshop is designed for couples. If you'd like a larger group, have a look at my group bookings page.
Ready to talk about it?
Tell me a bit about what you have in mind and roughly when you're getting married, and I'll be in touch.