Wedding Ring Workshops FAQ

What is the difference between Fabrication and Casting?

The process looks different depending on your choice of workshop. The fabrication workshop is a one day workshop that begins with you working a piece of metal to forge it into the shape of the ring. Continuing on, you will solder this together and polish it. At the end of the day, you will walk out with a beautiful ring for each participant. 

The casting workshop is a two day process in which you begin with a piece of wax, and carve the wax into the shape of the ring. After fitting it, and perfecting your design, these rings will be set up inside of a flask to be covered in plaster. The next day the flasks are placed into kiln by your workshop leader to be burned out. When you arrive on day two, you will heat metal in a crucible and the metal will be flung into the mold with a centrifugal force casting machine to form the rings in metal of your choice. Following a successful casting, you will do some finish work to walk away with your rings.

All processes are completely supervised by your workshop leader, and do not require any previous experience. The workshop leader will also ensure that you end up with rings that are professional quality by doing finish work and stone setting if needed.

How do I schedule my ring making workshop?

The scheduling process begins usually with an email sent to metalworkssf.com. In this email you should give your name, and introduce yourself, as well as give a brief description of what you would like to create. It is helpful to mention any deadlines, such as a wedding date, and also to inform us of your expected time frame for scheduling. Please include your phone number at the bottom.

Next you should receive a follow up email or phone call to discuss your options, and pricing. The scheduling is completed with a $250 deposit, which counts toward the total balance of your payment. This deposit ensures your date, and is non-refundable.

Who will be leading my workshop?

Your workshop will be lead by one of the skilled professional Jewelers who have had years of experience teaching. This person will not only guide you through the process, but may also lend a skilled hand at creating a beautiful final product. Your instructor will be at your side the entire time to answer all questions, and to troubleshoot any difficulties.

Is my workshop a private event?

The workshop is usually a private event, however, it is conducted within a space that is shared with a working jewelry studio. There may be other individuals working within the space on their own projects. You will have your own benches, and all the tools and materials will be available for your needs. If you need more privacy, you may request to be hosted in the downstairs classroom for your workshop.

Do I need prior experience with Jewelry making, or artistic skill or talent to do this workshop?

No, you can be an absolute beginner who has never set foot in a jewelry studio. Your instructor will guide you through all the information and processes.

What is the total cost of this process?

The total cost very much depends on the metals used to create your rings, and the metal markets at the time of your workshop. As of Spring 2023 total pricing for a workshop and rings can range between $900 and $4000. Any added items such as stones or engraving can also raise this price point. The fabrication workshop before the price of the rings is $625. The casting workshop before the price of the rings is $750. Silver rings are $200 each, and gold is variable, but often ranges between $900-$1400 per ring. Tax is 8.5% in San Francisco, and is charged only on the price of the rings. We try to be very transparent about pricing, and to keep this process accessible everyone. Once your pricing is set at the time of booking, we honor that price and do not change it based upon metal market fluctuation.

Can I have stones or gems in my rings?

Yes. If you would like to have stones or gems put in your rings, we can source these for you, and have them available at the time of your workshop. Please mention this in your introductory email if you are interested.

Can I use my own metals? Does this offset the total cost?

You may use up to 50 percent of your own gold in the rings you create. This can offset your total cost. You may also use your own stones. There is still a setting charge to put your stones in the rings. Please discuss this in your introductory email.

How many hours can I expect to spend in the studio?

The fabrication workshop is approximately 6 hours long, and goes from 11am until 5pm. The casting workshop is at two day process, and you will be in the shop from 11am to 4pm, or later on both days.

Can I bring more than 2 people, or do this workshops solo?

You may bring as many people as you like into the studio for a casting party, or celebration afterwards, however, if more than 2 people are making ring, there is a price adjustment. Please let us know if you plan to have some kind of celebration within our shop.

If you are planning to make one ring, and work solo, that is fine too. Please note that the price of the workshop is the same.

What metals do you work with?

We generally only work with silver, gold, or platinum. Platinum is NOT available for casting. We use these materials because we know about them comprehensively, and are able to work with beginners using these materials. We are, however, able to add other materials to the rings, such as wood inlay, stones, and meteorite. Please inquire about this in your introductory email.

Where do I park?

Please see the “Getting here and Parking” page of this website. Because of the duration of this workshop, we recommend taking public transportation, Uber or Lyft, or parking in a garage if you must drive.

What should I wear?

Wear loose fitting, and warm clothing that you do not mind getting dirty. No open toed shoes are allowed in the studio. Wear your hair up or back, and please bring any glasses, or other needed items for doing up-close work.

Is the studio handicap accessible, and usable for people with special needs?

Our studio is accessible for handicap use. Please inquire about the details in your introductory email.