Creating a One-of-a-Kind Wedding Ring at Yokohama Renri: The Result and Price

Want to Make Our Wedding Rings by Hand

When it came to getting married, I had always wanted to make our wedding rings by hand, even before I found my partner. I didn't have any specific preferences for luxury brands or flashy stones. I simply wanted a ring that would make me happy to wear.

When I expressed this desire, my partner found a shop called "renri" for me. Since I love the history and culture of Yokohama, he chose a store in Yokohama for us.

Renri is an atelier started by a jewelry designer and a ring craftsman, and its name evokes the image of "happily ever after" with the phrase "比翼連理" (hiyoku-renri).

https://renri.jp/

The shop (atelier) is located near either Bashamichi Station or Nihon-odori Station on the Minatomirai Line of Yokohama's rapid transit system. The building itself looks like an apartment, but as you climb the stairs, you come across the door to renri.

Design Process of renri's Handmade Wedding Rings

In the handmade course, we first decide on the design together with the ring craftsman in charge of design. We had a rough idea of the desired design based on the photos on renri's website and Instagram, but we didn't have a clear image in mind. In addition to photos, the shop had actual ring samples made of different metals and designs, allowing us to try on and discuss various options without worrying about sizes.

I had seen other shops where you could make rings by hand, but I thought this place was particularly meticulous and thorough in the design process.

Even with similar silver-colored metals like platinum and white gold, I could see the difference in shades when I tried them on, and I realized how patterns and color transitions could change the impression of the rings.

The art of ring making is truly fascinating.

Production Process of renri's Handmade Wedding Rings

Once the design is finalized, we move directly to the production booth. We were able to choose the color of the work apron to match our outfit preferences. Additionally, in the production corner, they had a display with our initials.

Now, what is that metal rod for? It serves as the prototype of the ring. We were able to handcraft the rings ourselves, shaping them into ring form and adding the design with the guidance and advice of the ring craftsman, even for someone like me, who is prone to being absent-minded and clumsy.

Though I was a bit nervous about using the burner to soften the metal, looking back at the photos, I was quite satisfied with the results. There were also parts where we used a hammer to shape and add patterns to the rings.

How Did Our Handmade Wedding Rings Turn Out?

Since we requested our names to be engraved on the inside of the rings, including the finishing work, it took about two weeks in total.

And here are the rings we received the other day.

The one without shine has a pattern called "布目" (nunome), an original design by renri.

According to the information from "Mynavi Wedding," the average purchase price for wedding rings is around 299,000 yen.

As for the rings we handmade at renri, the price varies depending on adding stones or additional work, but for designing our desired rings and experiencing the production process, it cost us around the mid-200,000 yen range for two wedding rings.

I think it's fantastic to be able to create rings filled with memories while also being kind to our wallets. I'm glad we chose to make them by hand, and I'm glad we chose this shop.

You Might Meet the Shop's Mascot Cat

By the way, you might have a chance to meet their mascot cats, Saku and Mitsuki. They watch over the ring-making process from nearby and are friendly and soothing.