Workshop & Process

FABRICATION workshop

  • The Workshop: Fabrication is a process where you will work directly in the metal of your choice. You will use a jewelers' torch and tools to saw, solder, and shape your bands. In your private workshop you will be the only couple in for the day. I will walk you through each step and break it down in a way so that you can't mess it up! Basic rings can be made in about 3-5 hours

  • The Rings: This is a great technique for creating simple wedding bands from traditional and polished to a rustic, hammered finish and many options in between.

  • Metal Options: At With These Rings you can fabricate your rings from yellow gold, rose gold, palladium-white gold, peach gold, or palladium-sterling silver.

 
 

See the steps for your Fabrication workshop in this short video

  • Timeline: Many couples leave with their rings at the end of their workshop. Keep in mind that some designs will have additional steps that require custom work on our end beyond your session, such as stone setting or engraving. Generally these steps will take 4-6 weeks after your workshop.

  • Planning your designs: If you are fabricating your rings you will have to decide on the basics of your design at least three weeks before your workshop, including:

You will start with flat metal stock that you will form, solder, and shape into your wedding bands. Shown here in its beginning and finished state.

  • Cost: The average price range to fabricate a set of 14k gold rings is $980- $1,700. Find more details on the pricing page.

  • Additional notes: You will have the opportunity to break for lunch during your workshop and explore the local restaurants in downtown Port Townsend. Many couples want to have their workshop documented. I am alway happy to take some photos with your phone or camera or I can recommend a local photographer if you would like professional photos.

REALLY, ANYONE CAN DO IT!

So many people think that you have to be “artsy” or good with your hands to make your own wedding rings. But I promise that’s not the case. Here are just some of the occupations of the people I have worked with over the years. Some people work in creative fields, some have crafty hobbies, some are very skilled with their hands, some have never picked up a hammer in their life, a few failed their high school ceramics class. Regardless, many of the people I work with are a little (or a lot) nervous when they arrive. Everyone comes to my studio with different backgrounds and everyone leaves having made beautiful rings! The whole process is broken down into small steps and precious metals are very forgiving. You will just have to follow one step at a time and all of those steps add up to a heirloom quality ring.

 

HAND CARVING workshop

UPDATE: Please Note This Option Is Not Currently Offered

  • The Workshop: Carving is a two part process:

    • At your first session you will carve your rings from a hard wax. Then we will send them off to the refiner to be cast in metal of your choice. (See timeline below)

    • Next the metal will need to be filed, sanded, and polished. You have the option to come back for a second session to do the metal work or I can complete these steps.

  • The Rings: This process is ideal for creating more dynamic designs, from a ring with a strong texture to a more flowing, organic form. Carving is also used to shape a ring that will fit perfectly with an engagement ring.

  • Metal Options: With this technique you are open to more metals, included palladium, platinum and some colors of gold that are not options in our fabrication workshop.

  • Timeline: Carving is a two part process that will take at least three weeks at the refiner. Keep in mind that some designs require additional work beyond the final metal work steps. Stone setting, engraving, or other custom work will be finished by us after the metal work is complete, this can take an additional several weeks. Generally 4-12 weeks total, from carving session to finished rings.

Click photo for more examples of nesting rings

  • Planning your designs: Carving offers more flexibility so you can decided on the details of your rings, from dimensions to type of metal, as you are working.

  • Cost: The cost for rings made in the carving workshop will really vary depending on the design and amount of metal used.

  • Please note that there is limited availability for carving workshops.

If you have any questions about which would be the best fit for the rings that you want to create just ask!

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