From Metal to Masterpiece:
Tools and Steps Involved in Crafting Your Ring
The idea of "handcrafting a ring" may initially seem challenging or even a bit daunting. However, with the expert guidance of a skilled artisan throughout each step of the process, it becomes an approachable and rewarding experience. Let us walk you through the actual steps involved.
Key Points of Our Workshop
- Same-day pickup even with gemstone setting
- Artisan will craft on your behalf if desired
- Enjoy free hand-engraving by yourself
- A 3-hour Process
Handmade Wedding Bands
This couple has signed up for our handmade wedding bands workshop! Under the guidance of our veteran artisan Hiromi-san, let's see what we can achieve in just a few hours!
In the Heart of Sangenjaya, Tokyo
MITUBACI TOKYO is a 1-minute walk from Sangenjaya station (only 4 minutes from Shibuya by train), located on the 4th level of the retro-looking Royal Mansion building.
Design Consultation
Before you begin, we’ll present a selection of jewelry samples for inspiration. Once you've decided on your design, you’ll be ready to start crafting!
Material
After you've chosen the material and color for your ring, our artisan will prepare a metal strip—the exact material for your piece. Using the Tanzo process, the metal strip is repeatedly compressed, which increases its density and durability, ensuring that your jewelry will stand the test of time.
Tool Introduction
roller
By crushing and stretching metal, this tool is used to make the base metal suitable for rings in terms of thickness and hardness. There are electric and manual types, but the one used at MITUBACI TOKYO is a traditional manual type.
Engraving
Engrave on the metal strip by hand with either metal stamps or the engraving machine. You may choose to make your own ring or exchange with your partner!
Tool Introduction
Engraving Stamps
In jewelry-making, “stamps” refer to metal stamps used for engraving letters or designs. At MITUBACI TOKYO, we go beyond the basics by offering:
・A wide variety of ready-made engraving stamps
・ Original emoji-style stamps, handcrafted by our artisans
・ A unique pixel art stamping service, where you can design your own stamp for a truly custom piece
Tool Introduction
Vise
You can also add a twist design to part of your ring for a unique touch. The tool used to hold the metal securely in place during this process is called a vise. By firmly clamping the material and twisting it 180 degrees with pliers, you can create a beautiful spiral — a distinctive feature that gives your ring its own identity.
Shaping
The flattened metal is shaped into a ring using a wooden mallet and a mandrel. Once it takes the form of a ring, it is further compressed using a special tool, which strengthens the metal — resulting in a highly durable ring, a hallmark of the tanzo (forging) process.
Tool Introduction
Ring Stretcher
A "ring stretcher" may also be used. As the name suggests, this tool can expand or compress the rings. It is a useful tool for adjusting the size of a ring while retaining its circular shape.
Next comes the soldering process, which seals the gap in the ring. During this stage, participants will have the opportunity to use the torch themselves, closely guided by our experienced artisans.
※ Please note that the soldering of Platinum 950 will be handled by the artisans solely.
Tool Introduction
Soldering Torch
A soldering torch mixes gas with an appropriate amount of air and burns it at a high temperature. By operating the lever that controls the gas output and then activating the ignition switch, a flame can be produced without using matches or a lighter. Since platinum, gold, and silver have different melting points, the work is done using a burner capable of heating to the appropriate temperature for each metal.
Achieving The Perfect Fit
You’ll be asked to try on the ring throughout the process to ensure a more precise and comfortable fit than typical ready-made rings.
Filing and Sanding
More tools are used to smoothen the surfaces of your ring.
Tool Introduction
Electric File
This tool performs polishing or cutting by attaching a file or similar bit to the tip of a pen-shaped device and rotating it. It's also known as a precision hand motor, but in Japan, the well-known brand "Ryuuta" (Leutor) has become a synonymous term for it. Although it may appear to be a simple device at first glance, professional-grade tools are designed with torque output that maintains rotation speed even when in contact with metal materials, as well as precise rotational speed control. It is one of the essential tools for metalworking.
Adding Textures
The ring still has a plain surface at this stage. For those who wish to have a textured ring, this is where hand-hammering comes in. The best part? No two rings have the same texture, so what you own is truly one-of-a-kind!
What's Popular?
The hammered texture is well-loved for its distinctive hand-made element. Every strike carries its unique characteristic, and with that, every ring becomes the one-and-only in the world. Partners also often create textures for each other!
Tool Introduction
Textured Hammers
Textured hammers are essential tools for creating unique surface patterns on your ring. They enhance the handcrafted feel and aesthetic of your piece. Each hammer is individually crafted by the skilled artisans of MITUBACI TOKYO.
Tool Introduction
Lathe
For a more refined and polished finish, consider the senban option. Senban, the Japanese term for a lathe machine, rotates the entire ring while a diamond blade evenly shaves its surface. The result is a beautifully smooth ring that’s truly one of a kind.
If you wish to have a diamond or other gemstone set after this stage, our artisans will carefully and skillfully complete the setting for you.
Same-day pickup even with gemstone setting
Our strength lies in being a genuine metalworking studio that normally crafts custom-made wedding rings. With professional artisans on-site, fully equipped facilities, and a wide selection of gemstones always in stock, we’re able to offer same-day stone setting services that other stores may not be able to provide.
In addition, you’re free to choose from a variety of stone setting designs to match your personal style.
Completion!
And your rings are completed and can be put on right away!
Post-Workshop Ideas
Thriving with a diversity of local cuisines and stylish cafés, spend some time checking out the streets of Sangenjaya wearing your handmade jewelry!
Customer Reviews
FAQ
Yes, most of our customers who visit our store are making rings for the first time, but rest assured that our professional engravers will carefully assist you and help you with any difficult parts. We will measure the ring size on the day of your visit to ensure that it fits your finger perfectly. For hand engraving, we will explain and practice how to engrave before the actual engraving. The forging process produces a higher quality ring that is sturdier and less fragile than the lost wax process.
We also offer "lathe processing," in which our craftsmen use a lathe to shape the product, so please consider this option.
Yes, please feel free to take photos and videos at our atelier even with your wedding photographer. Our artisans are also most pleased to take commemorative photographs with you.
Yes, all handmade jewelry courses are designed so that you can take them home on the same day, even if you are traveling or otherwise have limited time. Workshops that can be completed on the same day, even with the addition of diamonds, birthstones, and other options, are rare in Japan, and are unique to MITUBACI TOKYO, where artisans are always on hand.
Please let us know ahead of time, and we will assess the possibility of fulfilling your request.