What is DIY Custom?
It’s you making the jewelry you want to make!
Our DIY Wedding band workshop is a hit…BUT we thought you might want to make something more than a band. With DIY Custom you can make pretty much whatever you want: an engagement ring, a memorial necklace, a set of bridesmaids' earrings, or maybe a big, bold turquoise cuff? The possibilities are endless.
Seriously, you come up with the idea, and we'll help you make it.
Jason working hard on shaping his band after soldering
A Few Things We've Helped People Make
Although DIY Custom is a newer service for us, we've already had some pretty great projects come through the studio.
Jason made an engagement ring using his fiancée's grandmother's brooch and diamond. Together, we worked out a design he could make that incorporated the existing gold, diamond, and even the original setting. We love projects like this. What a great way to give heirloom jewelry a new life… Thinking about making an engagement ring? We have a whole post specifically about that.
Custom engagement ring made by Jason from an heirloom brooch
Jeff + Elsa first came to Alloy a few years ago for our DIY Wedding Band Workshop. This time, they returned to make a set of custom gold hoop earrings and Celtic cross pendants that matched their wedding bands. We worked through the designs, figured how to construct them, sourced different colors of 14k gold, and helped them fabricate the pieces. Lots of little details to work out, but that's part of the fun of making jewelry.
Hoop Earrings made by Jeff from 14k Rose and Green Gold
Celti Crosses made by Jeff + Elsa in the Alloy Studios from 14k Green and Rose gold
Staci + Nathanael brought in a beautiful pink tourmaline from the Stewart Mine near their former home in San Diego. We ordered the perfect stone setting from one of our wholesalers, then helped them make the ring and fit and solder the components together. The result is a classic, wearable ring that reminds them of a place they once called home.
Staci + Nathaniel’s Tourmaline Ring. Stone provided by them and fabricated by them in the Alloy studios.
As these projects show, you're welcome to bring your own materials. Not every material or design will work for every project, but we'll help you figure out what's possible during your consultation. And if you don't happen to have a stash of gemstones or precious metals lying around, we can help with that, too. We work with wholesale suppliers to source metals, gemstones (both common and unusual), and ready-made findings and settings.
How Much of the Jewelry Will You Actually Make?
Kayden melting metal for future rings
As much as we can reasonably put in your hands!
Some designs can be hand fabricated directly from metal, sometimes incorporating ready-made components like clasps, earwires, stone settings, or chains. You'll be hands-on, learning to saw, form, solder, texture, and polish your piece as needed.
For more complicated designs, we may recommend carving a wax model or creating a CAD design to be cast into metal. You'll get to pour the molten metal yourself (yes, it's nerve-wracking, but totally fun, and you can do it!). Once the casting is cooled, you will clean up, polish, finish, and texture as needed.
There are a few things we'll always leave to specialists, including faceted stone setting, hand engraving, and laser engraving. We can coordinate those services, along with stone sourcing or CAD modeling, when your project calls for them.
And no, you don't need any previous metalsmithing experience. That’s the whole point! You'll work with an instructor who will guide you through the techniques needed for your project.
One thing to keep in mind: DIY Custom is an experience, not a full jewelry education. Our goal is to help you make your piece, not teach you everything there is to know about metalsmithing. If you'd like to take on more of the process than we're recommending, let us know during the consultation. We have a list of schools and resources to help you build the skills and get the practice you'll need.
How does it work?
Step 1. Consultation. We'll meet in person at the studio to review your design, discuss materials, and figure out the best approach. You don't need a technical drawing, but you should have a pretty good idea of what you want to make. Bring sketches, inspiration photos, or examples of jewelry you like. If you're hoping to use your own metal, gemstones, or old jewelry, bring those along, too.
Step 2. Plan and Estimate. After the consultation, we'll email you the proposed process, estimated lesson time, materials, and any additional services needed. Depending on your project, we may also bring in stones, renderings, or models for you to review before making final decisions. Once you've approved the plan, we'll acquire materials and get your lessons scheduled.
Step 3. Make Your Jewelry. You'll work directly with one of our instructors. Some projects take just an hour or two, while others require multiple sessions. We'll put together a schedule that makes sense for your particular project.
Step 4. Admire Your Finished Piece. Depending on the project, you may leave your workshop with your jewelry in hand, or it may need a little more work. Pieces requiring faceted stone setting, for example, will be sent to a specialist before they're ready for pickup.
From start to finish, the whole process typically takes one to two months. There can be quite a few moving parts, and we'd rather get them right than rush through them.
What about cost?
As I’m sure you have guessed, we can't give you an accurate total until we've worked through your design. You'll always receive an estimate before moving forward, but here's what you can expect:
Consultation: $50. The consultation cost covers the time we'll spend reviewing your design, exploring materials, construction options, and figuring out how to make your project happen.
Private Lessons: $85/hour for one participant with one instructor, or $125/hour for two participants with one instructor.
Materials: Based on your design. You're welcome to bring your own or purchase them through Alloy.
Additional services: Stone setting, CAD modeling, hand engraving, and other specialty services are quoted separately.
For special-order materials, we'll collect a 50% deposit before placing the order. Materials stocked in our shop (mostly sterling silver) can be purchased in person during your consultation or lesson.
NEXT STEP?
Gather your sketches, inspiration photos, and any materials you might want to use, then book a consultation.
Want to make an engagement ring? Get more specific information on design and what to think about » HERE.
Oh…you want some traditional wedding bands. We’ve got an even better option for that, and it includes a free consultation » HERE.