More couples are signing up for silversmithing workshops to craft their own rings - valuing shared experiences over perfection. Photo: Pakanira
When London-based doctor Nayeem Ahmed, 29, and former lecturer Nurafiqah Syuhada Abdul Rahim, 26, wanted to settle down, they decided to do things a little differently.
While most couples browse jewellery stores for wedding rings, they took a more hands-on approach, crafting their own rings for their wedding.
Dr Nayeem (left) and Nurafiqah Syuhada decided to make their wedding rings by hand to add a personal touch to their big day. Photo: PakaniraIn June, they signed up for a do-it-yourself (DIY) silver ring-making workshop in Petaling Jaya, Selangor to create their rings.
Dr Nayeem says crafting something with your partner makes the rings far more meaningful.
"It's an experience we'll never forget. We crafted these wedding bands together, and we’ll treasure them always," says Dr Nayeem, who was in Kuala Lumpur for a short holiday before his wedding.
Nurafiqah Syuhada chips in: "We added our own special touches to it, like engraving our names and wedding date. That's something you can’t do at a store. The process was very intimate and meaningful."
The couple’s story began in 2019, where Nurafiqah Syuhada met Dr Nayeem during a one-year student exchange programme at University College London while pursuing her studies in English.
They tied the knot in August in KL, and now call South London home.
Perfect imperfections
DIY ring-making workshops have become increasingly popular among couples, friends and even siblings. Many sign up not just to make jewellery, but to enjoy a hands-on bonding experience while learning a new craft.
Much like short creative courses in ceramic beading, sewing or tufting, these workshops are fun, affordable and rewarding, offering participants the chance to create something beautiful and personal to take home.
Nurafiqah Syuhada says the memories and meaning behind the rings are what make the latter priceless. Photo: Meronco
During the two-hour workshop, Nurafiqah Syuhada and her husband chose their designs and went through every step – from measuring, cutting, shaping, soldering to polishing – with care.
Though guided by professional metalsmiths, they did most of the hands-on work themselves.
"It was interesting because I got to know my future husband a bit better during the workshop," says Nurafiqah Syuhada with a laugh. "He says he is quite a handyman, but today's session proved he's quite average!"
Handcrafted rings are unique as couples can customise every detail, from the shape and finish to engravings or hidden messages. Photo: PakaniraDr Nayeem chuckles, taking it in his stride.
"You can have a look at my ring — I did struggle a bit, but the silversmith helped fix it. I learned that my future wife is actually really good with her hands."
Their final creations - Nurafiqah Syuhada’s curved band and Dr Nayeem’s classic silver ring - turned out beautifully polished and deeply personal.
"We're very happy with the results," says Nurafiqah Syuhada. "They are professional-looking rings - and we made them. That's what sets them apart."
With gold and diamond prices on the rise, silver ring-making workshops offer a budget-friendly yet meaningful option.
The two-hour workshop cost the couple under RM600 – which covered both the session and ring materials – far less than what most jewellers would charge.
When Dr Nayeem (right) and Nurafiqah Syuhada crafted their own rings, every mark, curve and imperfection became part of their story. Photo: Pakanira
Nurafiqah Syuhada adds that their family members were surprised that they picked silver because it’s not the conventional choice.
"But when they saw the rings, they had nothing but praise for the idea of personalised rings. They couldn't tell that we made them ourselves!
"We initially wanted platinum rings but we learned it is not an easy material to work with.
"For us, it’s not the material value that counts, but the memories and meaning behind the rings. That's what makes them priceless. We are very happy with our rings and they looked fantastic when we exchanged them on our wedding day - until today they are keeping very well!"
More than metal
Kabilan (right) and Kobler with the handcrafted rings symbolising their commitment to each other.Photos: Leroy LuarFor their seventh anniversary, theatre practitioner Kabilan Murali Dharan and his Swiss girlfriend, circus performer Nicole Kobler, 30, decided to mark the occasion by crafting their own promise rings.
The pair signed up for a ring-making workshop in Penang, where they forged simple silver bands for each other.
"We enjoy doing things together, and I thought it would be something special to commemorate our relationship," says Kabilan in a phone interview from Tanjung Tokong.
Both from artistic backgrounds, the couple was drawn to the creative process of ring making.
"It was challenging at first," admits Kabilan, 36. "But our metalsmith was patient and made the session really fun."
For them, the sentimental value outweighs anything they could buy in a store.
"It's more personal because we made them for each other," says Kabilan.
"A promise ring is our way of saying we're in this together, even with the distance between us. It's worth more than anything from a shop because it holds the memories we made together."
Marked with meaning
Luar (left) guiding a customer through the process of crafting a handmade ring.Penang-based silversmith Leroy Luar, 40, has noticed a steady rise in people signing up to learn ring-making.
"Over the past year, I have had more than 20 people join my workshops," he says. "It is not just couples - I have had best friends, colleagues, and even parents and children come in.
"For romantic pairings, the main draw is bonding over a shared experience. There's satisfaction in being able to say, 'We made this for each other'."
Amin Diaz, chief executive officer of Pakanira, a Petaling Jaya-based silversmithing studio, agrees.
"It offers a more meaningful and memorable alternative to the usual mall or movie date. It’s something romantic couples can do together, and it gives them a shared sense of achievement," he says.
"For millennials, it feels like an unconventional and intimate activity. And for the younger Gen Z crowd, many are drawn to the heritage vibe and the chance to express creativity.
"People want more than just a product — they want stories, memories and meaning. That’s where handmade jewellery fits in beautifully."
Luar believes this DIY wave is part of a wider shift.
Interest in silversmithing has surged as workshops become more accessible and affordable.
"Consumers today value experiences over products. Learning a new skill is fulfilling, and there’s a thrill in demystifying how something is made."
He adds that DIY crafts have long existed - from knitting to flower arranging - but interest in silversmithing has surged as workshops become more accessible and affordable.
"It's not that demand suddenly appeared - it's that supply has caught up," he says.
For many participants, the appeal lies in the sense of accomplishment.
Some people prefer handcrafted rings as a more sustainable choice that aligns with their values."Even making a simple unadorned band carries far more meaning than buying it off the shelf," says Luar.
"Of course, store-bought jewellery has its place - it's convenient for those who don’t have the time or confidence to make their own. But for those who do, the process itself becomes the reward."
Social media, he adds, has played a huge role in popularising DIY crafts.
"The pandemic accelerated online learning and gave people confidence to try hands-on workshops. But watching someone craft a ring online and actually doing it yourself are two very different things," adds Luar.
"It's rewarding to know I am helping people celebrate something special, whether it’s love, friendship or a personal milestone."
When it comes to sustainability, he notes that while interest in ethical jewellery - like recycled metals and fair-trade stones - is growing globally, most of his students are still motivated by learning and bonding rather than environmental ideals.
Amin adds that Pakanira currently works exclusively with silver but is exploring recycled metals, yellow and white gold, and possibly gemstones in the future.
"What people value most really varies," he says. "Some come for the aesthetics, others for the symbolism, and many for the shared experience of creating something together. Each couple brings their own meaning to it."
