Make them or buy them? Start by finding out which suits you
Choosing wedding rings usually comes down to one question: which pair? At KOBO there is a question before that one. Do we buy our rings, or do we make them?
Both are beautiful ways to create a ring you love. They simply suit different people.
Buying or commissioning a ring suits couples who prefer expert craftsmanship and intricate designs. Through our sister brand, FUJIMORI KAJITA, you can discover wedding bands handcrafted by master artisans in Japan.
Making your own rings is for couples who value the story and moments behind them just as much. Shape the metal, choose your texture and stamp a personal message inside your partner’s band, all with guidance from our team.
Most couples who visit us aren’t quite sure which path is right for them. And that’s exactly what our bridal viewing is for.
Come by, explore both possibilities, and by the end of the hour, you might just know which feels right for you.
Custom-made, bespoke or handmade by you: what is the difference?
These words get used for the same thing, so here is how they differ.
- Custom-made or bespoke. A jeweller designs and makes the ring to your brief. You choose; they craft.
- Handmade by you. You make the ring yourself in a workshop, with an artisan beside you. You choose and you craft.
At KOBO you make your rings in 18K gold or platinum during a three-hour class. You can still decide everything a custom order would let you decide: metal, colour, width, engravings, texture and finishing details.
If you’re still unsure, there’s no need to make a decision just yet! We warmly invite you to visit us at our studio for a bridal viewing.
Our bridal viewing is complimentary and lasts approximately 60 minutes. It’s designed for couples who are curious to explore our designs, learn more about our offerings and workshops, and discover what feels right for them.
We’d love to welcome you and guide you through the process!
What happens during our complimentary bridal viewing appointment?
Our bridal viewing is a relaxed visit to our studio, with no hard selling. We want you to feel comfortable exploring your options and making an informed decision with all the information you need.
As each session is by appointment, we kindly recommend booking your slot in advance. We look forward to welcoming you!
Try on sample rings. We bring out trays of samples in different widths, shapes and colours. A width that looks right in a photo can feel very different on your hand, so this is where most couples change their minds at least once.
See the textures and colours side by side. Polished, lace, hammered, foresta, stardust, concrete, snowflake and frost all catch the light differently. So do platinum and champagne, rose and yellow gold. You can compare them next to each other and against your skin tone. Our guide to the textures shows each one.
Pick up the hammer. If time allows, you can try a short hammering session and stamp letters or small symbols into metal. It is the quickest way to find out whether you would enjoy making your own.
Ask anything. Sizing, timelines, engagement rings, how the two of you can work on each other’s bands. If you are also planning an engagement ring, you can view stones at the same appointment.
What you can decide by the end
You do not have to decide anything. Most couples leave with a clear picture of:
- Which metal and colour suits each of you
- The width that feels comfortable
- One or two textures you both like
- Your ring sizes, which we can measure during the visit
- A rough budget, based on the current price menu
Our prices are tied to the prevailing costs of gold and platinum and are reviewed every quarter. To keep things simple, you can find all the latest pricing in one place — simply refer to current price menu.
After the viewing: the day you make your rings
If you decide to go ahead, you’ll book a three-hour wedding ring-making workshop, where you’ll cut, shape, solder, texture and polish your own rings, all with the guidance of an experienced artisan.
Curious about what the process involves? Our guide to crafting a ring in 8 steps walks you through the entire journey!
Two things are worth knowing when you plan your dates:
- Bridal class dates are released about three months in advance.
- Additional finishing such as stone setting or pearskin finishing requires an extra six to eight weeks after your class before your rings are ready for collection.
What makes KOBO different
KOBO (工房) is the Japanese word for workshop, and the studio is Japanese at its roots.
Tokyo craftsmanship behind the bench. KOBO opened in Singapore in June 2021, backed by the MITUBACI Tokyo atelier and the fine jewellery brand FUJIMORI KAJITA. The ring making methods you learn here are the ones our craftsmen use in Japan.
Gold and platinum from Japan, and the same tools. The precious metal you shape comes from Japan. The tools on your bench are the same ones our craftsmen use there. It is the standard our Tokyo atelier works to. Gemstones are different: we source them from around the world to find the right stone for each ring.
Japanese artisans, three times a year. At our Artisan Events, craftsmen from our atelier in Japan come to the studio to work alongside guests. They offer services that are not on the regular menu, such as on-site stone setting and duo-tone wedding bands, gimmel rings, and more!
Stories & Moments from Those Who Came Before
Reading about other couples’ experiences is a lovely way to imagine what your own studio day might look like.
Questions we hear often
Nothing. It is complimentary.
About 60 minutes.
No. Most couples have never made jewellery before. Our team supports you at every step.
No. We are always glad when a couple signs up on the spot, but what matters to us is that you are sure. Take the time you need.
Yes. Please book your viewing in advance so we can set aside the hour for you.
Yes. Tell us in advance if you have a particular stone in mind and we can prepare options for your visit.
Nothing at all! Just bring yourselves and, if you’d like, your phone camera. Feel free to take plenty of photos so you can revisit the designs and compare your favourites afterwards.
If you’re visiting to create an engagement ring, a proposal ring or a special gift, do try to have the recipient’s ring size handy. This will help us guide you through the options!
Would you rather have your rings made for you? We are proud to recommend our sister brand from Tokyo, FUJIMORI KAJITA.