I had the opportunity to stand in on Mikayla and TJ’s ring appointment with Stephanie, who owns With These Rings, a jewelry studio on the Washington peninsula that guides couples through the process of creating their own wedding rings. As a photographer who offers heirloom-quality print products to all of my clients, I want to feature other small business owners that are offering equally valuable services. After observing how Stephanie interacts with her clients in her studio, it’s no wonder why people come to her for this hands-on experience. If you’re a couple that desires something a bit more personal (and eco-friendly) for your wedding or elopement, then you’ll definitely want to consider booking an appointment with Stephanie for the upcoming year.
Tell us a bit about your business, what you do, where it’s located, and why you do it.
“With These Rings is a jewelry studio in Port Townsend, WA that offers you the unique opportunity to make your own wedding bands through private instruction. I work work with couples to ensure that they create heirloom quality wedding rings. I feel incredibly lucky to spend most of her days around people who are happy and in love.”
How would you describe Port Townsend?
“With These Rings is located in the Victorian seaport of Port Townsend, WA., a sleepy but quirky town on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. No matter where you are coming from or what time of year you will be visiting, you will definitely have a beautiful trip ahead of you. Enjoy sweeping views of the Puget Sound through foggy forest roads across vivid farm lad. Port Townsend is the perfect jumping off point to explore the Olympic Peninsula, my personal favorite corner of the PNW.”
Why do people visit to create their rings at With These Rings?
“Couples come to With These Rings to create personalized wedding rings through a unique and hands-on experience. I work side-by-side with the couples to ensure they leave with heirloom quality wedding rings.”
What does a typical session look like?
“The Fabrication Workshop is With These Rings most popular and hands-on option. It is a great technique for creating simple wedding bands. During the 3-5 hour workshop, couples will work with the metal of their choice using jeweler’s torch and tools to saw, solder, and shape the wedding bands. I walk couples through each step, one at a time, to ensure that couples leave with heirloom quality rings. You will take your metal from raw stock to a finished ring by the end of your workshop.”
In what ways is your business eco-friendly?
“With These Rings wedding bands are made using ethically sourced materials including 100% recycled precious metals from the top eco-conscious refinery in the USA. I believe it is our responsibility to make socially and environmentally ethical choices when outsourcing materials. For those interested, I can outsource fair trade gemstones, recycled diamonds, and lab grown diamonds.”
What kind of experience do you hope that every couple walks away with?
“I want each couple to leave with rings that they love and will remind them of the special experience that they shared together.”
How far in advanced should a couple book an appointment with you?
“Couples should book an appointment at least two to four months before they want their rings. Weekend appointments fill up fast and couples should consider booking out further during the summer months. While many couples leave with their rings on the day of their workshops some designs, such as engravings or stone setting, require additional work by us after your workshop.”
What part of the process of working with couples is your favorite?
“I really do love the moment when they realize ‘Hey, I made that!'”
How do you maintain a sustainable business?
“Sustainability is something that I am always thinking about, both at home and in my studio. The jewelry industry can be incredibly hard on the planet and people who live in areas that are heavily mined. Having a business in this industry I consider it my responsibility supply high quality materials that have a low impact on the earth. The metals we work with are one hundred percent recycled from the top green refiner in the US. Also all of the gemstones that I provide have been ethically sourced, lab grown, or recycled. I reuse and recycle everything I can, even the precious metal dust. Everything sweeped up from the workbenches and floor to each piece of sandpaper, it all go back to the refiner to be melted down and re-alloyed into fresh stock.”
How would you encourage couples who are on the fence about making their own rings?
“Making your own rings really isn’t for everyone, but if you are excited about the idea of having that experience the main thing I want you to know is that anyone can do it. I won’t let you mess up!”
Any other accommodations or other ‘Must Visit’ places that should people look forward to during their trip or their stay in Port Townsend?
“Some of my favorite accommodations in Port Townsend include Chevy Chase Beach Cabins, Ravenscroft Inn, and The Bishop Victorian. Other “Must Visit” places include the Port Townsend Farmer’s Market, Fountain Cafe, Fort Worden, and Finnriver Farm & Cidery. You can find more of my favorites things about the area listed on my website.“
For those who are getting married soon, what piece of marriage advice would you give?
“I think that communication is so important, I know that sounds obvious, but it is so easy to assume “he/she knows me so well, they should have known.” When you approach life as a team there is no reason to complicate the path by throwing hints or puzzles at the other person. If we are clear about about what is on our mind it makes the big and little things in life so much easier. Oh and have spontaneous dance parties whenever possible.”
Do you ever create rings with couples who are already married?
“Absolutely. I love to help couples design and make a piece of jewelry to mark any occasion. I have worked with many married couples to create anniversary rings and is open to hearing any jewelry ideas.”
To read about a personal experience from some of Stephanie’s clients, hear what Mikayla and TJ had to say about their experience here.
Thank you, Stephanie! Your business is making a big dent for the sake of love all over the world. The service that you offer is unlike any jewelry experience that I’ve ever come across. Your client-focused mentality shows that you care about marriage and about creating an unforgettable experience for all those who you interact with!
For those interested in connecting with Stephanie, check out her website here.
