Popular Brands for Handmade Wedding Rings: Create Your Favorite Rings at "Kamakura Chokin Workshop" ♩

2020.08.30 published

I Want to Handmade Engagement and Wedding Rings!

Wedding rings as a symbol of eternal love. There are countless choices to make, like where to buy them, which brand to choose, and what design to go for.

Recently, an increasing number of couples are opting to craft their own bridal rings.

Literally, a unique engagement or wedding ring means that there’s no comparison to anyone else’s, and it belongs only to the two of you.

The process of making the ring will become an unforgettable, precious memory.

That said, there aren’t many opportunities to hear from couples who have handmade their wedding rings about their feelings and experiences.

Unlike brand-name rings, since you’re not actually seeing and purchasing them in a store, it’s understandable to be curious if it was truly worth it.

Even when you say "handmade," isn’t most of the finishing done by the staff after just a bit of touching?

Working in a cluttered workshop might seem like it could ruin the dream of marriage...

It’s understandable to have such worries.

Challenging Handmade Pair Rings at 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo'!

So!!!

Keiko from Marry, who was curious about "handmade rings," decided to actually take on the challenge of making wedding rings!

The shop she chose was 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo.'

They have workshops in Yokohama Motomachi and Kamakura, where you can create simple-designed rings.

There are several shops where you can make wedding rings, but what’s amazing about 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo' is that you can take home the rings you’ve made the same day.

It’s wonderful to wear your freshly made rings on a date in Kamakura.

➡ Here is the HP of 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo'

How Much Does It Cost to Make at 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo'?

The prices for engagement rings and wedding rings at 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo' vary depending on the material.

The materials you can choose from are:

☑ Platinum

☑ Yellow Gold

☑ Pink Gold

☑ White Gold

The price starts at about 30,000 yen per ring.

For example, the price for this set of wedding and engagement rings is:

【Wedding Ring】

☑ Platinum (Pt900) about 60,000 yen

☑ Yellow Gold (K18YG) about 30,000 yen

【Engagement Ring】

☑ Yellow Gold (K18YG) Diamond 0.1ct about 88,100 yen

Total: about 178,100 yen

It’s lovely to think you can create rings for both of you starting from 60,000 yen and under 200,000 yen including the engagement ring.

You can choose the materials slowly after arriving at the shop, so feel free to make a reservation.

➡ Here to make a reservation at 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo'

We Went to 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo'!

Our visit was to the Omachi branch of Kamakura Chokin Kobo.

It was located in a quiet residential area about an 8-minute walk from Kamakura Station.

The interior of the workshop had a warm wooden feel and was much more stylish than I had imagined.

In this place, creating a once-in-a-lifetime ring could indeed become a romantic memory.

The space felt cozy like a comfortable café, but the tools placed all around for ring making were eye-catching.

The neatly arranged robust tools were stylish, and I couldn’t help but take lots of pictures.

Handmade Wedding Rings! Step 1: Decide on the Design

After choosing the material, the ring-making started right away!

At 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo,' the staff supports you closely from start to finish.

First, we looked at many samples and decided on what design we wanted.

The designs to choose from were three types: dome, flat, and hammered.

The width could be selected from three options: 1.5mm, 2.0mm, and 2.5mm.

For the finish, we could choose among clear, matte, or hairline.

You can either have the same design for both or change the thickness and finish.

We decided to go with the hammered design that adds a bumpy pattern using a hammer.

Since we wanted a handmade feel and to express our individuality, this was a design recommended by the staff.

We chose clear for one and hairline for the other to give it some variation.

➡ Learn more about the types of designs and finishes here

For those who want to enhance the originality, it seems you can set a birthstone or colored diamond on the backside as well.

Just looking at it made my heart flutter.

(If you include a stone, it will be delivered at a later date.)

Handmade Wedding Rings! Step 2: Practice Hammering

After putting on matching aprons, we began with practice.

We hit a metal piece with a hammer to create patterns.

Since the staff demonstrated and taught us the tips, the patterns were created with less force than I expected.

Handmade Wedding Rings! Step 3: Heating the Metal

Once we grasped the technique with the practice, it was time for the real thing.

We heated the metal rod with a burner to soften it.

It’s interesting that this rod will turn into a ring!

We continued to heat the rod until it turned bright red.

By warming it up, the molecules of the metal are said to align beautifully.

We took turns using the burner, having fun taking pictures of each other's work.

Handmade Wedding Rings! Step 4: Bump and Create Patterns

We hammered the softened metal rod to create patterns.

Focus is key to ensure that the nail-like tool used for pattern making doesn’t shift!

While applying the patterns.

I gradually felt attached to the bumps I had added myself.

Creating fine bumpy patterns gives a sparkling and cute impression.

Making larger patterns, in contrast, creates a gentle and soft impression.

During the work, the staff asked, "Shall I take some photos?"

Making the creation itself a memorable experience is one of the great joys of handmade wedding rings.

By the way, we each made our own rings, but I heard some couples make each other’s rings as well.

The thought of your husband (wife) continuously wearing the ring you made is a bit embarrassing, but it’s also heartwarming.

Handmade Wedding Rings! Step 5: Curve into a Circle

Once the patterns were complete, we began to curve the rod-like metal into a round shape.

I used pliers, while my husband bent it gently with his hands.

To ensure there’s no gap, the staff adjusted it into a beautiful rice ball shape at the end.

We felt relieved knowing that the staff would check at every step, so we didn’t have to worry about mistakes!

➡ Here for more details on 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo'

Handmade Wedding Rings! Step 6: Welding

It was time for the gas burner again.

A small metal piece was placed at the joint, heated with the burner, and melted to attach the gap.

Even for the second time using the burner, I felt nervous!

Handmade Wedding Rings! Step 7: Achieving Circular Shape

After welding, it was starting to look like a ring!

We threaded the metal rod onto the ring and used a hammer to round it out.

At times, we tried it on our fingers to adjust the size as well.

The rice ball-shaped ring transformed into a beautiful perfect circle!!

Although there were still steps remaining, I already felt a sense of achievement…

Handmade Wedding Rings! Step 8: Filing

Next, we began to file the inside of the ring. Using a file and pointed tools to make it smooth.

We kindly filed and polished, changing tools multiple times.

While continuously polishing with the file, I was moved by how rings are made this way.

The process took about 2-3 hours; however, because we could chat the whole time, it felt like it passed in no time.

It was a super fun time.

(I took my 0-year-old baby with me, and they kindly welcomed us, being very patient! They also said that baby rings can be made so I want to go again soon!)

➡ Here for more details on 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo'

Handmade Wedding Rings! Step 9: Adding Letters

Finally, the last step. We are engraving characters inside the ring.

Using specialized tools, we scratch little diamonds.

I didn’t know that inserting letters could also be done manually!

It’s engraved firmly. I’m so happy!

Handmade Wedding Rings Completed!!

A one-of-a-kind handmade marriage ring has been completed ♡

Once finished, we displayed them on a tray adorned with dried flowers and took commemorative photos.

Since it was a special occasion, we also photographed in front of the shop’s door.

It became a perfect photo to include in our wedding movie.

This will be a memorable keepsake for a lifetime!

(The staff also guided us on posing.)

➡ Read other couples’ experiences on 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo' HP

A Unique Handmade Wedding Ring ♡

Making wedding rings at 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo' was such a memorable experience.

Every time I glance at my ring finger, the memories of Kamakura will surely come rushing back.

We were able to take home the rings we made on the same day, so we wore our freshly made rings and went to pray at Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū.

We spent a fun day strolling through Komachi Street and driving along the coast.

Wedding rings are a symbol of marriage. For those who haven’t decided where to buy them yet, I definitely recommend giving handmade a try.

I’m sure your rings will carry more sentiment than anything you purchase elsewhere♡

I also thought it would be perfect for activities for couples celebrating their wedding anniversary after several years or dating couples!

➡ Here to make a reservation at 'Kamakura Chokin Kobo'