FAQs
Will our rings look professional?
Yes. You will be delighted with the results. Donna will make sure you are guided every step of the way. Rest assured, you will leave with professional looking rings made by you. Donna can help you as much or as little as you like with your own rings. Take a look at our Finished Rings page and Facebook or Instagram pages, where you can see many couples and the wedding rings they have made. Donna will provide a beautiful box for you to keep them safe in until the big day.
How long does the workshop take?
The workshop starts at 10am and usually finishes anywhere between 4pm and 6pm. Finishing time depends on the rings that are being made and the individual couples themselves. Donna can be a bit flexible with starting times if you would like to begin earlier or a bit later.
What ring details do you need in order to get a quote for the gold?
Donna will need to know which metal you'd like, the profile shape/cross-section (flat, oval/court, D-shape, inverted D etc), dimensions (width and depth) and your finger sizes. The depth is really more important for the ladies ring if she is going to be wearing it next to an engagement ring, as you want the rings to sit at roughly the same height on the finger.
We can figure this all out during a consultation at the studio. If you live further away, don't worry, we can discuss this over phone or email.
Can the rings be resized later?
Even though you will leave with the perfect fit on the day, you may have a better idea of how well it fits once you are married and wearing them all the time. You are very welcome to return to the studio where Donna can alter the size (within two sizes) free of charge. This doesn't apply to platinum or palladium unfortunately, however we would be able to return your rings to the casters who would be able to alter the size at a charge.
Can we have a hammered texture on our rings?
Yes you can. Donna has a number of silver samples available to see what is possible. You will be able to try these on when you come along for the initial consultation. If you live further away, please ask Donna when you're booking or deciding on the design of your rings if there is a particular surface pattern you like. On the day, Donna will provide you with a silver ring to practice your hammering on. Once you are confident enough, you can make your marks on your own rings.
Can we use our own gold?
Unfortunately, we wouldn't be able to make the rings from scratch using your own gold due to it being a very lengthy process. However, it may be possible to use your own gold through the method of casting. Please enquire for costs as each individual ring differs depending on how much gold you have. This isn't a less expensive option, but worth a great deal of sentimental value.
Can we use Fairtrade or 100% recycled gold?
Yes, you can have your wedding rings made in Fairtrade or 100% recycled gold. Make wedding Rings is committed to using 100% recycled gold and silver wherever possible. If you would like your gold to be Fairtrade, we would use the casting method for this. Donna is a registered jeweller under the Fairtrade Goldsmiths Scheme .
What does the casting process involve?
We use the casting method when certain metals are too hard to work with, for when specific alloys or products are unavailable and for making your rings in Fairtrade or own gold.
On the day, we will make silver rings from start to finish just like you would if you were making gold rings. We would then send them off to a casting company. Two molds would be made from your silver rings which would then be used to cast two exact replicas in the metal of your choice. You would be able to keep your silver rings too. The metals where we use this process are platinum, palladium, 14ct gold, 18ct rose gold, Fairtrade gold and own gold. All cast metals are 100% recycled. Casting currently takes approximately four to five weeks.
Can we make a shaped wedding band to fit around an engagement ring?
Unfortunately, Donna cannot accommodate shaped wedding bands in the workshop setting. This style of ring requires more time and advanced jewellery skills. Donna will be able to tell you at your consultation whether a shaped band is needed. If you live further away, you can email some photos of your engagement ring to her so she can advise. It is also worth trying on some rings to see how they sit next to your engagement ring. Many brides who have an engagement ring that needs a shaped wedding band, often choose to wear their engagement ring on the other hand.
Can we have our rings hallmarked?
Yes, Donna can organise hallmarking for you as an extra. A hallmark is only really necessary if you are planning on selling your rings in the future. However, you may still like to have them stamped with the traditional marks which are Edinburgh Castle, a number to state what metal and purity it is, and the makers mark. In this case, the makers mark would be Donna's. Hallmarking usually takes about one week and costs £55 for two rings that are the same metal or £65 if the rings are made of different metals.
What is rhodium plating?
Rhodium is usually used to coat white gold, both 9ct and 18ct. It is a very hard metal and is also silvery in colour. It is generally used to bring out the brightness of diamonds in jewellery. The natural colours of 9ct and 18ct white gold are beautiful in their own right. They are much warmer in colour and less silver like. If your engagement ring is plated you may want to have your wedding ring rhodium plated to match. This is something you can decide on, on the day once you have finished your rings. Rhodium plating does wear off and will need to be re-plated further down the line. Donna can organise rhodium plating for you. This usually takes about one week and costs £40 for one ring or £50 for two rings. You may want to get your engagement ring re-plated at the same time.
How does stone setting work?
If you would like precious stones set flush within your rings, Donna can source these for you. Once you have made your rings, Donna will organise for the stones to be set. This usually takes approx four to five weeks. It is £18 per setting. The cost of your stones will depend on the size and on the design of the rings you wish to make.
Can we make our own rings?
Yes, you can make your own ring. Generally, most couples make each others, but you are welcome to make your own if you'd prefer. Donna would highly recommend making each other's though.
How far in advance should we book our workshop?
Saturdays tend to book up quicker than Mondays, so if there is a particular date you would like, book sooner rather than later. Generally, workshops are booked up two months ahead, but there's no harm in checking as some months are busier than others. Your gold will need to be ordered no later than a month before your workshop.
What is your availability for consultations?
Donna is usually available for consultations Tuesday - Friday between 10.30am and 6pm. She can also stay later sometimes if required.
What parking is available?
There is free on-street parking surrounding the studios. Also, Ocean Terminal shopping centre has free parking at their multi story car park which is just a ten minute walk away.
PLEASE NOTE: As of June 2023, there will be metred on street parking in the Leith area and surrounding the studios.
Can we bring our dog with us?
Yes, you can bring your own dog with you. They are your family and if you’d like them to be a special part of your day, it is no problem to accommodate this, so long as your dog is well behaved. Donna’s dog, Otis, is sometimes at the studio with her and not a fan of other dogs in his work space. Please let Donna know in advance if you’ll be bringing your dog with you. It’s no problem for her to make alternative arrangements for him.
Are there any terms and conditions?
Yes, you can read the terms and conditions here. When booking your day, Donna will ask you to confirm you have read and understood the terms and conditions in an email.