How it All Works
You're probably wondering how it works, what you need to do, are they going to turn out ok?
Well here is a breakdown of everything you should need to know.
No.1
Lets Chat....
We start with a no obligation chat. This can be at a time that suits you, including weekends or evenings. Its Free!
During this time we sit down, go through the samples of styles of rings you can make including widths, shapes and the different metals. If you have a specific designs in mind we can look at this as well.
We measure your ring fingers and go through how the workshop day usually unfolds.
Have a cup of tea whilst I work out your prices.
If your happy with the costs and process we then can arrange a date ( or two) for your workshop. It takes around a week for you required metals to arrive so there's no rush!
The meetings usually last around 30 minutes to an hour.
No.2
What can you make?
We can make rings in Sterling Silver or Gold,9ct, 18ct, yellow or white within the workshop day.
Platinum works a little differently. We do a "split day", you come and make your silver sample bands to your chosen design. Those bands then get sent away to be used to make a mold and replicated in platinum. It takes roughly 3-4 weeks to be cast. Those bands then come back in a rough unfinished form which requires “finishing” and you do your second part of the workshop to finish your platinum bands. I don’t charge any extra for doing a split day workshop.
Once your rings are made any white gold rings will need to be Rhodium plated and all rings are sent to Birmingham for hallmarking.
No.3
How the Day Unfolds
We start at 9:30-10am and take as long as we need (within reason..... I wont keep you until midnight! )
We start by making silver versions of your bands in the morning and getting familiar with all the tools and processes. you'll get to keep these too, just in case you ever need a "holiday ring".
You can go for lunch at one of the local eatery's in the high street for a bit of a breather then come back and get cracking again to make the final bands in the afternoon.
Once your happy with yours rings our workshop day is complete!
I then send the rings away for any Rhodium plating, stone setting or engraving you may want and then Hallmarking. This will take around 2 - 3 weeks to complete (depending on the level of stone setting this may be slightly longer) and be returned to me. You can then either come and collect them or I'll post them directly to you. You can even choose what hallmark stamps you want on the insides of your rings!
No.4
Pricing
The price varies from ring to ring, it all depends on the metal, the size and width of the ring.
The overall thing to know is I always aim to make the total cost of the whole workshop day as close as possible to the price it would be to go and buy equivalent rings off the shelf. Not the cost of the rings plus the cost of the workshop day.
It breaks down like this:
The workshop day is £350 for the two of you.
Included in that £350 is private use of the workshop for the day with me. A pair of silver practice bands which you will also take home with you. The hallmarking, tea, coffee and snacks. Two ring boxes for your completed rings and the administrative costs such as postage for your rings to the assay office and back, the heating, the lighting, and so and so on.
If you have chosen silver rings there is NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.
If you have chosen gold I then add this cost on. ( again it is not at full market retail, it is factored in within an off the shelf price)
if you have decided on a platinum band and we are doing a split day I estimate the cost of the platinum BUT I wait until the casting invoice comes through between your workshop sessions to give the the actual cost so I don't under or over charge you.
If you have asked for engraving, stone setting, lazer patterns or any other service that isn't done in my workshop I can get quotes and again add them on. I have people that i know and trust to do these services.
and at the end there is just one price and you can decide to go a head or not.
T&Cs & FAQ's
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Payments
Full Payment must be made in advance of your workshop. You can pay by invoice that i will email to you detailing your workshop. You can pay in the workshop by Card or Cash however i don't keep cash onsite so would need to be exact.
A 50% deposit is required upon booking so I can acquire your materials and secure your date. Deposits are non refundable.
If full payment is not made 1 week ahead of your workshop your day will be cancelled unless otherwise agreed.
Please see cancellations for payments regarding cancelling your workshop.
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Faults & Repairs
Just occasionally a join can split open or a fault appear, don't stress, this can happen for many reasons and when you have made something your self consumer rights can get a bit confusing!
Here is my take on it. If your ring breaks or develops a fault within the first 6 months I will en-devour to repair it free of charge.
In the case it needs completely remaking, usually due to multiple breaks or cracking I will use the original metal, melt it down and remake your ring and i will do the labor free of charge however any additional materials (additional gold) will have to be charged for along with any engraving and hallmarking.
After 6 months its highly unlikely the ring has broken due to its manufacturing process by yourself or by my teaching and it now a chargeable repair.
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Cancellations or Failure To Attend
If for any reason you cannot attend your workshop date please let me know as soon as possible. Illness and emergency's happen and everyone understands that. I will try to move you to another date, please be aware Saturdays do book up very far in advance and can't be guaranteed. Especially when close to a wedding date.
If you cancel your workshop over two weeks before your workshop date no remaining balance will be required, if within 2 weeks any remaining balance will need to be paid.
If you have decided to not go ahead but still would like the rings just not to make them I can make your rings for you, and an alternative calculation of price can be arranged to not include the full workshop day fee.
If I have to cancel your workshop due to illness or for any other reason I will do my best to rearrange with you or failing that refund your full balance.
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Risks
The workshop environment is an open well lit space, it is well ventilated for managing fumes and dust. We work through each stage together at your own pace and i explain every step and the safety precautions required at that stage.
There is a few things that could injure you including soldering, using a flame torch, sharp edges of metal, saw blades or the polishing motor. Each of these things is pointed out to you and the safety precautions required.
The workshop is not a suitable space for young children, if you need to bring them along to a meeting please be aware of this.
By agreeing to take part in the workshop you accept liability for yourself and the possibility of this.
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A Few FAQs
Does it have to be a full day ?
Unless you are working with platinum then yes. to get the full advantage of making your practice rings in the morning it is necessary for it to be the day.
Do they to be plain bands?
No, we can apply a range of finishes in the workshop including hammered textures, or simple stamped lettering. I am also happy to look at designs you may have seen and advise if its possible to do such as shaped bands, twisted or patterned designs.
What if they arent any good?In the highly unlikely situation you rings don't turn out as expected I will take your rings and re-finish them or re-make them if needed. We work through the day at an easy pace allowing you the time to make sure you get each stage right and I am always checking that things are going as they should so its extremely unlikely this would be needed.
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Added Extras!
- Bring your wedding photographer!
If you would like your day documenting please feel free to bring someone along to do this for you.
Or please take as many pictures as you like! bring our tripod and selfi stick, its all part of the wedding album!
- Add a glass of bubbly at the end!
If you would like to celebratory glass of something just let me know and ill arrange it. We don't allow drinking of alcohol during due to nature of the workshop but at the end we don't mind!
- Lunch
If your not local and would like me to arrange a lunch date at one of places in town I'll get it booked for you. Just let me know the kind of thing you like!