Workshop FAQs
If you have any queries about my jewellery workshops, here is where you'll find the answers.
General FAQs
Do you offer workshops at weekends?
Yes, full day workshops are held Tuesday – Saturday. Half day workshops are held Tuesday to Saturday and additionally on Sunday mornings, subject to availability.
Where can I park?
There is free long stay parking in Swadlincote town centre.
Is your studio accessible?
The studio is all on one level but it's very small. I am happy to accommodate a visit to the workshop to discuss any specific access needs. I'll always do what I can.
Creative Jewellery Workshop FAQs
How many people can you have on your workshops?
My studio is small, so my workshops are for 2 people. However, I can provide workshops for 3 or 4 people on request as there is an additional space I can hire within the museum for this, so please contact me if you are interested in booking for a small group.
Would I be able to use gold on your creative jewellery workshops?
No, due to high material costs I am unable to hold a stock of gold for these workshops. However, you can book a private workshop to make a bespoke piece in gold under my guidance. You can also use gold on my wedding ring making workshops.
Wedding Ring Workshop FAQs
How far in advance of our wedding do we need to make our wedding rings?
Ideally, you should make your rings no later than 2 months before your wedding date, so you can really enjoy the workshop day and are not so caught up in all the planning details of the wedding day itself. It also allows a bit more time for hallmarking and stone setting (if required) or time to reschedule due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
How long does a wedding ring making workshop last for?
For classic wedding rings made from one type of metal (e.g. yellow gold), the workshop day lasts about 5 hours. For more complex designs (such as two tone, or extra detail) we may need more time, but I shall advise on this at your consultation.
How long does it take for our wedding rings to be hallmarked after we have made them?
Your wedding rings will be hallmarked by Birmingham Assay Office and it takes around 2 weeks from the workshop date for the rings to be ready to collect. I always give them a check over and clean for you after they have been hallmarked.
Can you post the rings to us after hallmarking?
Yes, once hallmarked, you can either collect your wedding rings from the studio or I can arrange insured post to your chosen address if you live further away.
How does the wedding rings consultation work?
I offer consultations for free, either in person at my studio (Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, Swadlincote, DE11 9DG) or via Zoom, and these last up to an hour. After the consultation, I will send you a quote for the total cost of the workshop including the metal to make your wedding rings, and a link to a calendar to book a date for your workshop if you choose to go ahead. I can offer quotes in more than one metal choice (e.g. silver or gold) if you are undecided.
I don’t know my ring size, but it is too far to travel to the studio for a consultation. What should I do?
In order to be able to give you an accurate quote, I do need your ring size. However, you can easily measure your ring size like this at home.
When do we pay for the workshop?
Workshops and materials need to be paid for ahead of the day of the workshop.
Are the rings finished on the day of the workshop?
The rings are finished apart from hallmarking if you are choosing this option. Stone setting is also done after the workshop.
Which metals can we use for our wedding rings?
Silver, gold and platinum.
Gold is available in white gold, yellow gold or rose gold, and is available in 9 carat and 18 carat. 14 carat yellow gold is also available. All silver and gold will be recycled.
Can I add gemstones to my wedding ring, for example, diamonds?
Yes, you can add diamonds and other gemstones to your wedding rings. These are set after the workshop by a specialist diamond setter who can provide different setting options, so please allow an extra 2-3 weeks for this to be done for you.
I have never made jewellery before, can I really make my own wedding ring?
Yes, you can. In fact, most people who make their wedding rings with me come with no prior experience and leave absolutely delighted with their experience. You can read my 5-star Google reviews to hear what they have to say.
Some have even gone on to make more jewellery or return for more courses.
Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch is included at Sweet Caroline's, the onsite café here at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum. Options range from soup, to jacket potatoes, paninis, nachos and seasonal specials.
How many photos will we get and how will you send them to us?
Expect to receive about 30 or more photos from your day, which I will take alongside guiding you to make your wedding rings. I’m not a professional photographer but I will do my best to capture your day in pictures, so you can concentrate on making your wedding rings.
You can see examples of my photography in my wedding ring workshop blog posts.
Can I give the wedding ring making workshop as a gift?
Yes, please contact me for details.
Do we make our own wedding rings, or each other's?
This is entirely up to you – most couples make each other's wedding rings, which just adds even more to the sentiment.
Do we both have to be there for the workshop?
No, but we would need an accurate ring size for your fiancé if they won’t be accompanying you on the workshop day. You can easily measure your ring size like this at home.
I already have my wedding ring. Is it possible to make just one ring for my fiancé on your workshops?
Yes, I can tailor the workshop day to make one ring.
Will there be other couples making their rings too?
No, this is a private workshop for the two of you. My studio is cosy and small, perfect for teaching two people.
What if it goes wrong?
I will guide you step by step through the process, and having taught over 200 of these workshops now you can rest assured I’ll be there to help you resolve any problems along the way.
I have a gold ring which has been passed onto me by a family member, can I use it to make a new wedding ring?
Yes. This is easier if the ring is hallmarked, so we know what carat we are working with. You can either commission me to make the ring for you, or book a Remodelling Wedding Ring Making Workshop.
Is it possible to mix different golds?
It depends on the colour gold and carat you would like to achieve, but in theory, yes. I can also arrange for gold to be refined for you, so it can be ‘changed’ from yellow gold to white gold, for example.
I have another question
Please contact me.