our favorite vendors

With These Rings Handmade

I had a conversation with Stephanie Selle from With These Rings Handmade, located in Port Townsend, Washington. Stephanie’s business is pretty special to me—my wife Jenny and I made each others’ wedding bands in Stephanie’s studio, and I actually made the band for Jenny’s engagement ring with Stephanie, too. I can’t even describe how special our experience at With These Rings was for Jenny and me. We created our first family heirloom with Stephanie and will treasure them. She was by far our favorite wedding vendor!

Tell me about you!

My name is Stephanie Selle. I am a PNW based jeweler and I offer couples the opportunity to make their own wedding bands through personal instruction. I believe that jewelry has a way of capturing a memory or feeling and allows you to carry it with you. I have always loved that something so small can hold so much meaning, but in a very subtle and private way. I first became interested in making jewelry because I wanted to create meaningful heirlooms for people, now I am passionate about helping others make their own.

Tell me about your work and what sets it apart from your competitors.

Most wedding ring shopping experiences are similar, you pick out a ring because you like how it looks. But in my studio couples will actually pick up the torch, saw, and hammers to craft their own rings. I will be there to make sure that it goes smoothly and the rings are well made. Couples can customize their rings with engravings, design elements, or in some cases family stones. But even for couples who want very simple rings, with nothing added, they will be imbued with deep meaning from the processes of making them with their own hands.

It is such a satisfying process to make something with your hands. When it is something that holds so much meaning and will be with you and your partner always, it really makes it a one of a kind experience.

My business is located in a sweet Victorian seaport town in Washington state. I love sharing this area with other people. It is full of unique businesses, delicious restaurants, and fun hikes. Coming to make rings can really be a whole adventure.

Tell me about what the process of working with you is like. What’s the experience you want couples working with you to have?

Clients usually start by sharing their ring ideas and I will make sure that it is doable for my workshop. From there they will book their workshop online, then we will order their metals and materials before their appointment. On the day of their workshop it will just be me and the two of them, and I will walk them through each step of turning their metal into rings.

I want my couples to walk away and think “wow, I made this!” So many people tell me that the process is more fun and less stressful than they thought it would be. My goal is always to pull back the curtain and really let them do the work, but break the steps down small enough to make it very doable. I would love for people to know that anyone can do it. You don’t have to be artsy or handy. For all of the “artsy” or “handy” clients I have had, there are just as many who have never picked up a hammer in their life… and a few who failed their high school ceramics class. Precious metals are very forgiving and each step is very basic. I have worked with over a thousand couples now so I feel very confident saying that anyone can do it!

What do you love about your job?

I love that I get to spend my days with couples in love. Every day is different at work since each couple is unique. Looking back it is pretty amazing how big of an impact my clients have had on my life. Not a day goes by without a past client popping in my head. I have worked with people from every continent (I even had a couple who met in Antarctica!) My couples come from all different backgrounds, cultures, careers, and each have a story that is only theirs. Connecting with all of these people has by far been the inspiration behind growing my business and doing what I do.