Ring Making Workshop
Join us for an intimate, hands-on jewellery-making experience where you will design and carve your very own dream ring.
Led by jewellery designer Henriette Botha, who has over 15 years of experience in the jewellery industry, this 3-hour workshop will introduce you to the fascinating process of lost wax carving, an ancient jewellery-making technique used to create beautifully unique pieces.
Working with jeweller’s wax, you will design and carve your ring completely from scratch. Whether your style is bold and sculptural, organic and textured, or simple and refined, you will be guided step-by-step through the process.
No previous jewellery experience is needed. You simply need an idea, an open mind and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
Once your wax carving is complete, it will be sent to our workshop for professional casting, cleaning and polishing. Your finished ring will then be couriered to you within 4–6 weeks.
The Workshop
Your 3-hour experience will take you through the process of creating a piece of jewellery from an initial idea to a finished ring.
You will:
- Learn about the lost wax casting process
- Explore different ring shapes and proportions
- Choose the wax width that best suits your design
- Design and carve your ring by hand
- Learn basic jewellery carving techniques
- Refine and finish your wax model ready for casting
The beauty of wax carving is that there are no strict templates. Your ring can be organic, sculptural, textured, minimal or completely unique.
You are the designer.
What’s Included
Your workshop ticket includes:
- A 3-hour guided jewellery workshop
- All jewellery tools and carving materials
- Jewellers wax
- Coffee or tea, a pastry and a glass of bubbly to toast your finished piece
- Professional casting of your completed wax ring
- Cleaning and polishing of your finished ring
- Courier delivery of your finished ring
Metal & Wax Options
Silver
Your workshop ticket includes up to 7g of silver.
Your completed wax ring will be weighed on the day and the estimated finished metal weight will be discussed with you.
Additional silver is charged at R200 per gram.
Brass or Copper
Your workshop ticket includes up to 10g of brass or copper.
Additional metal is charged at R110 per gram.
Wax Widths
During the workshop, you will be able to choose from a variety of wax widths depending on the style of ring you would like to create.
The wax width refers to how much space your ring takes up across your finger. It is different from:
- Ring size: the measurement around your finger
- Ring depth: the thickness of the ring
Our standard wax is 5mm wide, with wider options available for larger, bolder designs.
These are maximum starting widths, so you can always carve your ring slimmer, taper it, sculpt it or shape it as you work.
Optional Upgrades & Add-Ons
Additional options are available if you would like to take your design further.
All extras are payable on the day via cash or EFT.
Make a Second Ring
R400 + weight of the ring
Use the workshop to carve a second ring for yourself or create one for someone special.
Make a Mould
R900
Have a mould made from your finished ring so that your design can be reproduced in the future.
Gold Plating
R800
Your finished ring can be plated in yellow or rose gold.
Gemstones
From R100
Choose from a selection of gemstones, depending on the stone, size and availability.
Stone Setting
From R150 per stone
If you would like gemstones incorporated into your design, we can arrange professional stone setting after casting.
Engraving
Quoted according to design
Personalise your ring with initials, a date, words or another meaningful detail.
Diamonds & Specialty Gemstones
Please contact us before the workshop for pricing on diamonds or specialty gemstones.
Solid Gold
If you would like your ring cast in solid 9k gold, we can provide a quote based on the final weight and dimensions of your wax carving and the current metal price.
Gold quotations are valid for 48 hours.
What Happens After the Workshop?
Your wax ring is only the beginning.
Once you have completed your carving, your wax model will be sent to our workshop where it will go through the professional casting process.
Your ring will then be:
- Cast into your chosen metal
- Cleaned and finished
- Polished
- Professionally checked
- Sent for any additional finishing or specialist work, if required
- Couriered to you
Please allow approximately 4–6 weeks from the workshop for your finished ring to arrive.
Adding Extras?
If you have selected additional services such as stone setting, engraving or gold plating, these are completed as part of the finishing process and may involve different specialist artisans. Some services need to be completed in a specific order. For example, gold plating is one of the final steps, after any stone setting or engraving has been completed.
For this reason, adding only one extra does not necessarily mean your ring will arrive sooner. All rings follow the same production and finishing process, and your ring will be completed once all required stages have been completed.
The 4–6 week timeframe applies to rings with additional finishes and add-ons as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need jewellery-making experience?
Not at all. The workshop is designed for complete beginners. Henriette will guide you through the process and help you develop your idea as you work.
Do I need to know what I want to make before I arrive?
We recommend arriving with an idea of what you would like to create. You don't need to have a finished design, but bringing along sketches, photographs or inspiration can be very helpful.
The more prepared you are with your general direction, the more time you'll have to focus on carving and refining your ring during the workshop.
Because the workshop is limited to 3 hours and cannot run over time, particularly intricate or detailed designs may take longer to complete. We will help you develop and refine your idea, but ultimately you will need to complete your carving within the allocated workshop time.
Can I copy a ring I already own?
Yes, you can bring a ring or reference image for inspiration. However, the workshop is designed around creating your own interpretation rather than producing an exact replica.
What size will my ring be?
We will determine your ring size during the workshop and help you make sure your wax carving is created to the correct size.
Can I make a very wide or chunky ring?
Yes. Wider waxes are available if you would like to create a bold or sculptural ring.
Please keep in mind that a larger ring will require more metal, so additional metal charges may apply.
Can I add a gemstone?
Yes. You can choose from our selection of gemstones, or bring your own stone.
If you would like to use your own stone, please send us a photo beforehand so we can advise whether it is suitable for setting. Alternatively, you can bring it with you on the day and Henriette can assess it before you begin your design.
Please note that we cannot be held responsible for damage to customer-supplied stones during the setting process. Older or previously worn stones may have existing chips or fractures that are not always visible and can make them more susceptible to damage.
Gemstones start from R100, with stone setting charged from R150 per stone.
For diamonds or specialty gemstones, please contact us before the workshop.
Can I make a gold ring?
Yes. Your ring can be cast in solid 9k gold as an upgrade.
Because the final cost depends on the size and weight of your finished design and the current gold price, we will provide you with a quote before casting.
Can I make more than one ring?
Yes. You can carve a second ring during the workshop for an additional R400 along with the weight of the ring.
Please keep in mind that you will need enough time during the workshop to complete both designs.
Can someone else attend the workshop in my place?
Yes. If you can no longer attend, you are welcome to transfer your ticket to another person. Please let us know as soon as possible so that we can update the attendee details.
When will I receive my ring?
Your finished ring will be couriered to you approximately 4–6 weeks after the workshop.
Additional time may be required if you choose extras such as gemstones, stone setting, engraving or gold plating.
What happens if I don't finish my ring during the workshop?
The workshop is designed to give you enough time to complete your ring, with guidance throughout the process.
If your design is particularly intricate or you need additional assistance, Henriette will help you simplify or refine the design so that it can be completed during the session.
Cancellation Policy
Workshop spaces are limited, and your ticket secures a place reserved specifically for you.
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the workshop are eligible for a refund, less a 15% cancellation fee.
Cancellations made within 14 days of the workshop are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to transfer your ticket to another person. Please notify us of the change as soon as possible.
No-shows are non-refundable and cannot be transferred after the workshop has started.
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