DIY Custom workshop
So you want to make something custom?
You have a stone from your grandma’s ring that you want to create a new ring from. That’s a DIY Custom Workshop
You dream of creating your partner’s engagement ring. That’s a DIY Custom Workshop
Looking to make some cool earrings from gold. That’s a DIY Custom Workshop
We have a lot of workshops, BUT if we don’t have the one you want thats a DIY Custom Workshop, and we would be happy to sit down with you and create a plan to bring your dream piece of jewelry to life.
FAQs
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No prior metalsmithing experience is needed!
We will be with you every step of the way to make sure you walk away with a ring you love.
You can participate either as an individual or as a couple.
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10K, 14K, 18K Yellow Gold
10K, 14K, 18K Rose Gold
10K, 14K, 18K White Gold
10K, 14K, 18K Green Gold
14K, 18K Palladium White Gold
Sterling SilverStones CANNOT be used in this workshop, but they can be in our DIY Custom Project Workshop
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The workshop typically takes 4 hours to complete and you leave with ring(s) in hand. We will even give you a nice box.
The consultation is 1 hour and can be done either virtually or in person.
The in person consultation and workshop will take place at Alloy Studios, 1600 Genessee St., Suite 726, Kansas City, MO 64102.
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The first step is to book a consultation. It can happen via Google Meet or in person at the Alloy Studios and typically takes about an hour. We’ll talk through the process, look at materials and design options, answer questions, and get to know each other a bit.
After the consultation, we’ll send you a materials estimate that is valid for 30 days. Once you’ve selected your materials and approved the estimate, we’ll invoice you for 50% of the total cost.
Then it’s time to choose your workshop date. Each instructor has their own availability and will send you a booking link with available dates and times.
Behind the scenes, we’ll order your metal, prep your materials, and get everything ready for your workshop. Anytime up to the date of your workshop you’ll make your second payment of 50%.
On workshop day, we’ll guide you through each fabrication step from start to finish. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with your finished ring. We even have a lovely little box for you to take it home in.
Total time from Consultation to workshop is typically 1 month. We’ve been known to make scheduling magic happen if needed though.
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On workshop day, your instructor will have everything set up and ready to go. They’ll guide you through each step of fabrication, including sawing, forming, filing, soldering, sanding and finishing.
Throughout the workshop, your instructor will also take photos and videos of you working. After class, we’ll send everything to you through Google Drive so you can keep the memories and share them however you’d like.
Once your ring is fully fabricated and finished, you’ll have the option to add an engraving inside the band. Engravings typically need to stay under 25 characters, but otherwise, it can be just about anything you want.
These rings are meant to be worn and loved, so don’t worry about the occasional scratch or scuff. That’s part of the story. All of the metals we offer for this workshop can be resized, adjusted and, if needed, even melted down and reworked in the future.
We truly stand behind the craftsmanship. If your ring needs to be resized or adjusted, first one is one us. Shoot us an email at hello@alloymetalsmithing,com and we’ll get you set up.
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$350 Workshop Fee + Materials Cost
Materials costs vary depending on a number of factors and range from $50 for sterling silver to $2500+ for 18K palladium white gold. We can’t stress enough how wide the range can be.
See below pricing information in the next section of this webpage for more detailed information and specific estimates.
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Nope. Black metals are all metals that must be worked by a machine. They are not able to be worked by hand.
-Black rings cannot be re-sized.
-Broken black rings cannot be repaired.
-Most black rings can’t be cut off in an emergency. They have to be smashed off.We do have some really cool options for combining metals in various combinations, but if you had your heart set on black, unfortunately our workshop would not be a good fit for you.
The silver lining (pun intended) of using a material that can be fabricated/worked by hand is that the metal(s) can always be sized and adjusted as our bodies and lives change. In addition, the metal can also be melted down and reused if desired.
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You Bet! We can do this during the workshop and is no additional cost. It is a great way to personal this already special ring.
There is a video below that shows some examples of engraving in action.
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Yep!
To use your materials, we will need to evaluate them. You’ll need to either ship or drop off the items to be weighed, tested, and stones/solder removed as necessary.
Option 1 - We use your gold for the actual ring. $100 processing fee will be required per milling to prep your materials for you to use during your workshop.
Option 2 - We give you scrap value (70% of market value) of the materials you provide as a credit towards your ring.
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We know how important it is to see what others have made and their thoughts about this workshop.
For the proof, check out our workshop Instagram, TikTok, and Google Reviews.
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Glad you asked. We do!
Stacker Rings Workshop: set of 3 sterling silver pattern rings
Spinner Ring Workshop: large wide band sterling silver fidget ring with 2 spinners
Stamped Ring Workshop: heirloom weight sterling silver ring that is stamped and textured with a design of your choice
Make A Ring Workshop: Sterling silver ring with lots of design options and a cabochon stone
Want something CUSTOM? We can help you design a ring and workshop to fit your idea.
OK, LET’S TALK MONEY.
We know you want to know what this absolutely awesome experience will cost you. The short answer: not much more than buying a comparable ring at a jewelry store.
The more accurate answer? It depends. Ring size, width, thickness, metal choice and even small design details can make a surprisingly big difference.
Here’s the equation:
Workshop Fee + Ring 1 Materials + Ring 2 Materials = Total Cost
The Workshop Fee is $350, whether there is 1 person or 2. It covers your private instructor, studio space, tools and additional workshop materials as needed.
Ring Material Costs fluctuate with the metal market. This table gives you a good idea of what different metals, sizes, and design options currently cost.
During your consultation, we’ll show you samples, talk through the options and help you narrow down the right design, metal and budget. Afterward, your instructor will send you specific material estimates for the rings you’re considering.
want to engrave the inside of your ring? no problem!
Your wedding date, where you first met, or a secret message to each other, We’ve got you!
It doesn’t cost any extra, and you can do the engraving during your workshop.
OUR INSTRUCTORS
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About Madi:
Making has always been part of who I am, from childhood crafts in my basement to studying sculpture and art education at University of Kansas. As a high school art teacher and practicing metalsmith, I love sharing the process of creating by hand. My work centers on fabrication and cabochon stone setting, and I enjoy guiding students as they learn new skills and discover their own artistic style.
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ABOUT LOUISE:
I’ve been making jewelry since my 9th birthday party at the Bead Merchant in my hometown, Tulsa, Oklahoma. I moved to Lawrence in 2003 to study music, but transitioned to a degree in metalsmithing. The first time I held a torch was the last time I strung beads. After school, I started an apprenticeship at Jewelry by Design in Prairie Village. I specialize in casting, diamond setting, and all things goldsmithing. My favorite part of teaching at Alloy is experiencing the collaborative energy of a metals studio filled with students and makers at work.
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ABOUT JULIANNE:
Growing up in a home where artistic expression was highly valued, I have been making art since childhood. In February 2020, I decided to turn my creative passion into a career as Golden Hours Jewelry. Although I have been primarily self-taught, I carry the common thread of determination and stubbornness that all good metalsmiths have. I am inspired by nature, history and stories. I love to share my creative enthusiasm with others!
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ABOUT KELLY:
I love making and creating. Once I found metalsmithing in college, I was hooked. For me it is the perfect pairing of creativity + science. I graduated with a BFA in metalsmithing from KU in 2003 and spent 2 years apprenticing as a bench jeweler at Kizer Cummings Jewelry. The combination of school learning and hands-on training in a jewelry store has given me a solid base of skills and knowledge from which I have built my own career in metalsmithing, as MeritMade. I love hand-fabrication and specialize in mixed metals and hollow forms.