Common Mistakes When Making DIY Wedding & Engagement Rings — How to Avoid Regret | MITUBACI

How to Avoid Regret: Common Mistakes and Solutions When Making DIY Wedding & Engagement Rings

Your wedding rings are something you’ll cherish for a lifetime, so it’s natural to want a design you’ll never regret. By making them together, you can create truly meaningful and memorable rings. However, handmade rings also come with unique challenges, so it’s important to be prepared. By understanding common mistakes in advance, you can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. In this article, we’ll explain typical pitfalls when making DIY wedding rings and share practical tips on how to avoid them.

Pros and Cons of Handmade Wedding & Engagement Rings

Benefits of Handmade Wedding & Engagement Rings

What are the benefits of handmade wedding and engagement rings?

A One-of-a-Kind Ring, Unique in the World

The greatest advantage of making your own wedding or engagement rings is the ability to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece in the world. While there are basic design options, ring widths, and materials to choose from, you can personalize your ring by engraving it yourself, adding unique patterns, and polishing it by hand. This process allows you to create a special ring that is completely unique and unlike any other.

More Affordable Pricing

One of the major advantages of handmade wedding rings is that they are often more affordable than ready-made ones. At the same time, you can freely customize the design to suit your preferences. If you can’t find a ready-made ring that truly appeals to you, creating one together is a smart option. Wedding rings are lifelong treasures, and the more original they are, the more special and meaningful they become.

A Unique and Special Experience

An engagement ring, given as a symbol of a proposal and commitment, is meant for the person you will spend your life with, making its sense of “specialness” especially important. Whether it features a large diamond or your partner’s birthstone, an engagement ring is already a meaningful and valuable piece on its own. By handcrafting this special ring yourself, you can make it even more memorable and emotionally significant.

A Perfect Fit and Comfortable Wear

With the forging method, you shape and finish the ring itself, while with the casting (wax) method, you polish and refine the original model by hand. This allows you to create a ring in the form that suits you best.

MITUBACI is a handmade ring atelier in Sangenjaya, Tokyo, specializing in the forging method. At MITUBACI, rings are crafted while carefully adjusting the size on the spot, allowing for highly precise fitting—such as making a ring slightly larger than size 9 or slightly smaller than size 13. This level of fine adjustment makes it possible to create a wedding ring that fits your finger comfortably and naturally.

Turn the Ring-Making Experience into a Lasting Memory

One of the greatest attractions is that the time spent making your rings becomes a treasured memory. When creating handmade wedding rings, every moment—discussing ideas, feeling uncertain, and deciding on the final design together—becomes a precious part of your shared journey. The more effort you put in with your own hands, the deeper your emotional connection to the rings will be.

In addition, staff can photograph the creation process, allowing you to use the footage in your wedding video. Of course, you can also enjoy looking back on these memories yourselves. If you make an engagement ring on your own, you might consider showing these photos when you present the ring and sharing the story behind its creation—it can make the moment even more meaningful.

Disadvantages of Handmade Wedding & Engagement Rings

Not Ideal for Brand-Conscious Couples

Handmade wedding rings are certainly appealing, but they may not be suitable for couples who place a strong emphasis on brand names. Even for those who are not usually interested in luxury brands, some people may have dreamed of getting an engagement ring from a specific brand or purchasing branded wedding rings. It’s important to check in advance whether your partner has a preference for a particular brand before deciding.

After-Sales Service May Be Limited

Compared to brands that sell ready-made rings, there are fewer stores that offer handmade wedding rings, so depending on where you live, simply finding a suitable atelier may be challenging. This limited availability also raises concerns about after-sales service. If you move to a new address, it may become difficult to access services such as ring repairs and maintenance. For peace of mind, it’s recommended to choose an atelier that offers maintenance and repair services by mail.

Benefits of Making Handmade Wedding Rings at MITUBACI Tokyo

Choose from a Wide Variety of Colored Gold, Platinum, and Surface Textures

At MITUBACI, you can choose from five types of precious metals to create your own handmade wedding or engagement ring. Options include Pt950 platinum, 18K yellow gold, 18K rose gold, 18K champagne gold, and 18K lime gold. Among these, champagne gold and lime gold are MITUBACI’s original colors and are especially recommended.

MITUBACI also offers a wide selection of five finishing styles. You can choose between a plain finish and four types of hammered textures, then create your own pattern using specially designed hammers. Each hammer is custom-made and processed by MITUBACI’s skilled artisans in their workshop.

In addition, you can opt for lathe finishing to achieve a professional, polished look.

Clear and Transparent Pricing You Can Check Before Your Visit

MITUBACI offers a convenient pricing simulator that allows you to estimate the cost of your ring in advance. Since the price depends on factors such as the ring’s width, material, and optional features, you can easily get a clear idea of the expected cost before your visit.

View Handmade Wedding Ring Prices

Careful and Reliable After-Sales Service

Our maintenance and cleaning services are covered by a lifetime guarantee. We also offer mail-in maintenance, allowing customers living far away to use our services with confidence. In addition, we provide ring sizers free of charge so you can easily check your size at home.

Your first ring resizing service is also provided free of charge.

Handmade Engagement & Wedding Ring Prices: How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

Engagement Ring Budget and Income: It Varies from Person to Person

In the past, it was often said that an engagement ring should cost “three months’ salary,” but this isn’t a very practical guideline. Thinking in terms of three months’ salary can make proposing feel like a much higher hurdle. Especially for people in their early 20s who have only been working a few years, large purchases may feel unfamiliar. Discussing your budget for engagement and wedding rings with your partner can also be a great opportunity to better understand each other’s approach to finances.

Some statistics suggest budgeting a few percent of your annual income for wedding rings, but it’s more important to focus on exploring various shops and styles. By seeing many options, you’ll get a better sense of your preferred designs, types, and general price range.

Nowadays, many stores even display prices online. If prices aren’t listed, you can often get information by calling or emailing the shop without having to visit in person.

At MITUBACI, all ring prices are available online through our price list and pricing simulator. Of course, you can also contact us by phone or email for details.

See MITUBACI Wedding Ring Prices

Average Wedding Ring Prices by Age Group

In general, people in their 30s tend to have more disposable income than those in their 20s, and people in their 40s typically have more than those in their 30s. As a result, the average price for engagement and wedding rings tends to increase with age. However, even within the same age group, individuals’ attitudes toward money, rings, and wedding expenses vary, so these figures should be used only as a reference.

The Relationship Between Material and Price

Engagement and wedding rings are generally made from platinum or gold. These precious metals are ideal for such important milestones due to their durability, beauty, and ease of working. Because precious metals are inherently expensive, rings made from them naturally tend to be higher in price.

If you want to keep the cost of a platinum or gold ring lower, consider the following three approaches:
- choose a slimmer band,
- select a design with minimal decorations,
- or opt for a ring without diamonds or other gemstones.
These choices can help you purchase a ring at a relatively more affordable price.

While silver is less durable compared to platinum or gold, creating a ring from silver is also a viable option.

Common Regrets When Making DIY Wedding & Engagement Rings — and How to Avoid Them

Some couples choose to make handmade wedding rings in hopes of creating beautiful memories, yet later find themselves feeling regret. Below, we’ll introduce common mistakes and practical solutions to help you avoid disappointment and enjoy a truly meaningful ring-making experience.

Not Understanding the Differences Between Ring-Making Methods

There are two main methods for making wedding rings: casting and forging. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing one that doesn’t match your preferences can often lead to regret.

Rings Made with the Casting (Wax) Method

The casting method is also known as the “wax method” or “lost-wax casting.” This technique involves shaping a ring using wax and is widely used by many brands because it allows for mass production. One of its main attractions is that it enables highly delicate and intricate designs. However, compared to forged rings, it is generally less durable.

Rings Made with the Forging (Tanzō) Method

With the forging method, metal is hammered and shaped directly into a ring. This technique is ideal for couples who value strength and durability. Since skilled artisans handle the process, production time is relatively short, and in some cases, rings can even be completed on the same day. Prices are often reasonably affordable as well. However, this method is not suitable for highly decorative designs. For couples seeking simple, durable, and long-lasting wedding rings, the forging method is an excellent choice.

MITUBACI TOKYO uses the traditional forging method for crafting our rings.

Research Ring-Making Methods to Avoid Regret

To avoid disappointment, it’s essential to carefully research the atelier before making your decision. Be sure to check which production method they use when creating their rings. Regardless of the method you choose, understanding the characteristics of both techniques and the processes involved will help you know what kind of results to expect. This knowledge will allow you to create your ideal ring with confidence and without regret.

For more details on the forging method, please also take a look at this article.

Unclear Pricing Structures

Unlike ready-made rings with fixed prices, handmade wedding rings allow you to choose your preferred width and materials. As a result, pricing structures can become complicated, and many people are surprised by the final cost after placing their order. In fact, pricing systems for handmade rings vary depending on the atelier.

Most ateliers calculate the final price by adding material costs and optional features to a base fee. However, some studios only display the base price on their websites or in catalogs. In other cases, only the minimum base and material prices are listed.

If you make a decision based solely on these basic or minimum prices, there may be a significant gap between your expectations and the final cost. On the other hand, trustworthy ateliers often provide online price simulators to help customers understand the actual cost in advance. This allows you to plan your ring-making process with a clear estimate of the total price, rather than relying only on listed figures.

Choosing an atelier without a pricing simulator may be something to reconsider. To enjoy a stress-free experience, it’s best to select a studio with a transparent and easy-to-understand pricing system.

MITUBACI offers professional-quality craftsmanship at affordable prices.

MITUBACI’s basic pricing includes material costs, allowing you to receive an accurate estimate before any processing begins. Once you select the material and ring width, you can clearly confirm the total cost. In addition, hand-stamped engraving and surface finishing are also included in the base price. Since many ateliers treat these services as optional extras, it’s a good idea to check with the staff if the details are unclear.

See Our Prices for Handmade Wedding Rings

When it comes to handmade engagement rings, even ready-made options often do not have fixed prices. This is because many brands price their rings based on individual diamonds, meaning the final cost can vary significantly depending on which diamond you choose. Even a difference of just 0.01 grams can affect the price, and microscopic imperfections that are invisible to the naked eye can impact grading, resulting in large price differences.

At MITUBACI, we set clear diamond grading standards to ensure that the price does not change based on the specific diamond used.

See Our Prices for Handmade Engagement Rings

Over-Designed Rings or Mismatched Expectations

Focusing Too Much on Style Without Considering Daily Wear Can Lead to Regret

When designing a wedding ring, it’s easy for beginners to overlook practicality. Rings with too much texture or overly flashy designs may become difficult to wear on a daily basis. Since wedding rings symbolize a lifelong bond, choosing a design that remains comfortable and wearable over time is essential.

It’s also not uncommon for couples’ ideas to be communicated imperfectly, resulting in a finished ring that doesn’t quite match their original vision.

Keep Your Ring Design Simple to Avoid Regret

When it comes to design, prioritizing simplicity is one of the best ways to avoid future regrets. If you’re looking for a ring that is simple, classic, and durable, forged rings are highly recommended. To further reduce the risk of disappointment, try on multiple rings in advance to bridge the gap between your expectations and the actual appearance.

See Our Handmade Wedding Ring Design Collection

See Our Handmade Engagement Ring Design Collection

The Process and Final Result Didn’t Turn Out as Expected

The Work Was Too Difficult—or Too Easy

Some couples feel dissatisfied with the hands-on experience of making their own rings.

For example, if the process is more difficult than expected and there is little support from staff, the quality of the finished ring may suffer. On the other hand, having too little involvement in the process or finding the work overly simple can also lead to regret. In some cases, couples begin working without proper explanations and end up completing their rings without fully understanding the process, making the experience less memorable.

In addition, some ateliers may fail to listen to customers’ requests, which can be another source of dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, there are also workshops where staff lack sufficient expertise and simply follow a manual, resulting in a mechanical, uninspired experience.

Do Your Research Before Choosing a Jeweler or Studio

To avoid common mistakes, it’s essential to carefully research and choose the right atelier. Take time to review the jeweler's website and social media, and read feedback from previous customers. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to contact the studio directly by phone or email.

Experienced craftsmen at MITUBACI provide consistent, professional support throughout the process.

At MITUBACI’s handmade wedding ring workshops, the entire process is explained in advance. Couples work together with skilled artisans to decide which steps they will handle themselves and which parts should be entrusted to professionals. The tasks can be adjusted according to each couple’s preferences. Even if something doesn’t go as planned, expert craftsmen are always there to provide careful support. As a result, the finished rings achieve the same high quality as professionally crafted pieces.

In fact, many positive reviews on Google praise MITUBACI’s handmade rings, with couples expressing high satisfaction with their experience.

Learn About Our Handmade Wedding Ring Creation Process

Limited After-Sales Service

Wedding rings are meant to be worn for many years, and over time, your finger size may change or the ring may become scratched. If after-sales support is insufficient, couples may end up regretting their decision to choose handmade rings.

Even for minor concerns, it is essential that the atelier is willing to provide consultation and support.

Since after-sales services vary greatly between ateliers, it’s important to compare your options carefully before making a decision. When choosing an atelier, comparing as many service details as possible is the key to avoiding mistakes. Be sure to check warranty periods, resizing fees, and whether cleaning services are available before narrowing down your choices.

MITUBACI's first ring resizing is always free. We also offer lifetime guarantees on cleaning and maintenance.

About MITUBACI’s After-Sales Service

Who Handmade Wedding & Engagement Rings Are Perfect For

For Those Who Want the Ring-Making Experience to Become a Memory

The process of making your rings is a joyful and meaningful experience in itself. Exchanging rings while crafting them, taking time, and even making small mistakes along the way all become precious memories. Capturing these moments in photos or videos and looking back on them on special occasions can be truly wonderful.

For People Who Love Crafting and DIY

Handmade wedding and engagement rings are especially recommended for those who enjoy crafting and DIY projects. You can fully enjoy the process of watching your ring take shape in your own hands. Those who work in creative or manufacturing fields may also find it fascinating to see and use the professional tools, equipment, and machinery involved in ring making.

For Those Who Couldn’t Find the Perfect Ready-Made Design

With ready-made rings, it can be difficult to adjust the width in 0.1 mm increments or find the ideal combination of design and material, such as colored gold or platinum.

With handmade wedding and engagement rings, most ateliers allow you to create rings in your preferred width, design, and material.

If you want wedding or engagement rings crafted with attention to every detail, handmade rings are definitely worth considering.

Features of MITUBACI's handmade wedding ring course

Take Your Ring Home the Same Day

At MITUBACI, all artisans who support your ring-making experience are highly skilled professionals with many years of experience crafting wedding rings. Minor adjustments and stone settings for diamonds or birthstones can be completed on the spot, allowing you to take your finished ring home on the same day of your visit.

Clear and Transparent Pricing

At MITUBACI, all production costs are clearly displayed on our website in advance. There are no hidden or undisclosed fees, so you can visit us with confidence. We carefully present our prices to help ensure that your final cost does not exceed your expectations.

Our pricing page also features a simulator, allowing you to combine different design options before your visit.

If you have any concerns or questions about pricing, please feel free to contact us in advance.

Choose MITUBACI for Regret-Free Handmade Wedding & Engagement Rings

In this article, we’ve explained key tips and solutions to help you avoid regrets when making handmade wedding rings. If you’re looking to create rings you’ll truly love, MITUBACI is highly recommended. MITUBACI uses the durable forging method and offers a pricing simulator, making it easy to plan your budget in advance. With professional artisans providing expert support and comprehensive after-sales service, you can create your rings with confidence. You can easily contact us via our website or LINE—feel free to reach out for a consultation.

MITUBACI Handmade Wedding Ring Workshop

MITUBACI is a handmade ring atelier located in Sangenjaya, Tokyo. With over 50 years of experience in custom-made wedding rings, our skilled metal artisans guide you through every step of the creation process.

Learn More About the Handmade Ring Workshop

Learn the Forging Ring-Making Process

Learn More About the Handmade Engagement Ring Workshop

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Frequently Asked Questions About Handmade Wedding & Engagement Rings

Customer Reviews from Our Handmade Wedding Ring Workshop

Customer Reviews of Our Handmade Engagement Ring Workshop