Are my design ideas doable?
There are some ring designs that seem like they should be simple to make, but are actually quite complex and not doable in the With These Rings workshop (keep scrolling). A talented jeweler will make every twist and curve look elegant and effortless. Many of these techniques actually have a steep learning curve and can take years of mastering the craft to achieve. This is why I like to make sure we are on the same page about what you hope to create.
This workshop is a one day, beginner class. My goal is for you to share a meaningful, hands-on experience together where you will create heirloom quality rings. We have to work within certain parameters so I can ensure that the rings you create will be well made and beautiful. Above all, I want you to have a ring you will love for years to come. If your ring design is the main priority for you, please keep reading and confirm with me that your ideas are doable before booking. If your main priority is the experience and you are okay with sticking within the limits of what we are able to create, you can feel free to book your workshop!
The best way to find out if your design ideas are doable is to share examples and photos in an email with me.
The designs listed below are some that are not doable in our workshop:
Twisted, braided, or Möbius strip rings
Inlay
Signet rings
Tapered rings
Damascus steel and mokume-gane rings.
Lathe turned designs, like crisp beveled edges.
Rings made from heirloom metal or gold nuggets.
Rings made from wood, meteorite, titanium, tungsten. See our metal options here.
Pointed, contour, or nesting rings (often made to fit around an engagement ring setting.) These would be made in the carving workshop, which is not offered at this time.
Many rings that you see online and in stores with unique forms are created with wax carving or cad/computer design programs. We cannot achieve these styles in the fabrication workshops.
Other important things to consider before booking:
Many engraved designs and stone settings have a minimum width required. We will want to be sure that your design ideas and desired ring width are compatible.
Stone setting is very precise, down to the fraction of a millimeter. Some stones are not ideal for long term daily wear. If you will be bringing your own stone or have a particular stone (type or cut) in mind, we will need to confirm all of the details before booking your workshop.
All engravings and stone settings are added after the workshop and will take 4-6 weeks to compete. Please book the “Fabrication Workshop Plus Custom Elements” option.
Hand engraving (done by a person) is different from laser engraving (done by a computer). Laser engravings are cut in at a pinpoint, which means that finer details can be scaled down much smaller than by hand. Our hand engraver is incredible, but he is not a machine. I can let you know if your ideas are doable by hand. Learn more about custom engravings here.
Many of the engagement rings you see in couples’ photos on my instagram are made by other jewelers. We are limited to simple setting in the Engagement Ring Workshop.