I always knew I wanted to make my own engagement ring – even before I was sure that it was possible. It wasn’t just about the challenge (although I do have a habit of choosing the most difficult way of doing things). I knew I wanted something that truly reflected my journey with my partner. And I realized that even if I couldn’t make something perfect, I could still create something that truly belonged to us.
With this in mind, I began the work of turning my idea into something tangible. Given that I have never worked with metal jewelry before, it involved a lot of research - I found information in blogs, youtube videos, and books, which I’ll be linking in this post. Hopefully this will inspire or guide anyone else who’s curious about taking on a similar project.
Part 1: The Design
The process of designing and crafting a ring is slow and deliberate, which to me was the perfect chance to reflect on what this ring should symbolize.
My partner and I are avid gardeners and nature lovers, so I knew I wanted to incorporate some nature themes.I decided to go with a concept of two intertwined trees, which I felt was a fitting symbol for the way people and relationships grow.
It all started with a few rough sketches to visualize the concept, but I found it easier to flesh out the details in a computer. The modeling software I used was Blender, which I also learned on the go with this project. It is probably too much to dive into the details of designing a ring in Blender, but it is not as difficult as it may seem, and there are plenty of great tutorials.
My initial worries about the ring were around the durability of the ring - the main guideline I found was to keep the thickness of the ring at at minimum 1mm thickness throughout1
Finding the right dimension is also essential. You can get the right dimension from this chart.
What is Lost Wax Casting?
There are several building methods one could use to make a ring - probably the most common are machining and lost wax casting. In my case, I knew that my design would be pretty intricate, so I opted for the later.
Lost wax casting is an ancient technique that can be used for creating detailed jewelry and sculptures. The idea is simple: start by carving a model out of wax (beeswax works well). Then, encase the wax in a plaster mold. Once the plaster hardens, the wax is melted away in a process called the burnout, leaving a hollow cavity to pour molten metal into.
Modern twists on this technique include using 3D printing to create the model out of resin or PLA. This allows for more intricate designs and faster production.
Casting the Ring
Closing Thoughts
Just like in love, there were challenges and set-backs, but with each misstep, I found a reminder of the patience and steady effort that a lasting relationship demands.
Footnotes
https://cms.hooverandstrong.com/uploads/Casting_Brochure1_29_24_b906631a5a.pdf↩︎