Shinshitsu Metalwork ReviewJapanese Artisans Teach You to Craft Eternal Wedding Rings

Shun, from Japan, and Hane, from Taiwan, didn't major in metalworking as students. After a long journey through the professional world, they discovered their passion for metalworking and jewelry. After graduating from a jewelry vocational school in Tokyo, they each worked at KAJITA and noguchi, respectively, before the couple came to Taiwan together to establish Sunny Side Studio. Their journey is like the green rough gem from the Ghibli film Whisper of the Heart, polished to become a sparkling jewel.

Shun says his greatest sense of accomplishment comes from seeing customers wear their rings in daily life, while Hane enjoys those knowing smiles when customers react differently during the class. Shun and Hane's genuine love for Taichung Metalworking and jewelry infuses warmth into every step of the process, inviting customers to enter the world of metalworking they've created together.

Sunny Side Studio's workshop is designed to provide a comfortable and inspiring environment for creators, featuring a bright, Japanese-inspired space with warm wood tones and lighting to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

The second floor offers an open workshop area, while the third floor is dedicated to wedding ring experiences, specializing in K-gold and platinum, allowing couples to focus on crafting their unique wedding bands.

Many of the furnishings and tools in the studio were personally designed and selected by the founder. For example, the unique Taichung Metalworking table in the wedding ring workshop was specially designed for ergonomics and ease of use. The distinctive texture of the walls, created with Japanese "shikkui" plaster, provides a warm, handcrafted feel, ensuring the most comfortable environment for participants.

In 2023, the two founders were contacted by Kengo Kajita, president of Japanese jewelry company KAJITA, and his partner Takashi Fujimori of FUJIMORI. They inquired if the founders would be interested in establishing a jewelry studio together in Taiwan, which became the starting point for Sunny Side Studio.

With the support of a Japanese company, Sunny Side Studio imports its metalworking instructors, techniques, materials, and many of its tools from Japan. Based on Japanese craftsmanship, the studio offers a variety of metal crafting experiences, from beginner-friendly 925 silver rings to more precious K18 gold and platinum couple's rings. All are guided by professional metalworking artisans, ensuring perfect quality and detail in the finished products.

Unlike typical casting methods, Sunny Side Studio uses forging, which involves repeated heating and hammering to make the metal stronger and more durable. Participants can complete steps like metal shaping, welding, and polishing by hand, enjoying the fun of creation, while skilled artisans assist with more difficult processes, ensuring even beginners can craft with confidence.

Sunny Side Studio offers a range of Taichung Metalworking experiences, including workshops for 925 silver, K18 gold (also known as 18K gold in Taiwan), and platinum rings, all crafted from precious metals imported directly from Japan.

K18 champagne gold, with its warm and elegant hue, blends yellow and gold tones to create a soft, understated glow reminiscent of champagne. This unique shade not only complements various skin tones but also imparts an air of refined sophistication, offering a subtle luxury distinct from traditional yellow gold's more overt brilliance.

Platinum 950, on the other hand, presents a subdued, tranquil silver-white luster, radiating a pure and eternal glow. Platinum's natural silver-white hue achieves a warm sheen without plating, and its unique texture and tone symbolize everlasting love.

These two distinctive Japanese-inspired metal tones are specially curated by Sunny Side Studio, chosen to ensure each ring possesses a unique charm, sparkling with exceptional brilliance on your finger.

Sunny Side Studio offers seven ring surface styles, with most of the textures inspired by elements from Japan's natural environment. For example, the "Snowfield" texture evokes winter snow, while "White Birch" draws from the bark patterns of birch trees found in Japan's colder regions.

These unique designs are exclusive to Sunny Side Studio, a testament to the founders' deep familiarity with Japanese culture and nature.

More than half of the customers who come to Sunny Side Studio for a hands-on experience are couples about to get married, or already married, making the wedding ring workshop a popular choice.

For wedding rings, you can choose between K18 champagne gold or Pt950 platinum, both popular choices for Japanese wedding rings, or opt for K18 rose gold and yellow gold. These unique Japanese hues are exclusive to Sunny Side Studio. If you're having trouble deciding, consider the Sun&Moon series, which combines K18 gold and platinum in a single ring—a truly unique design you won't find anywhere else!

If a single ring isn't enough, don't miss Sunny Side Studio's other highly recommended piece: the stackable thread ring, a mere 1.1mm thin. Wear it alone for a minimalist look, or stack it with other rings to create diverse styles, building delicate layers of sophistication on your fingertips with its fine lines and warm champagne gold.

The signet ring is an evolution of the stacking ring, adding a classic signet design to a delicate band. Don't be fooled into thinking this small metal plate can't be customized! You can personalize it with text, textures, and even exclusive designs from Sunny Side Studio, perfectly blending personality with elegance.

The wedding ring colors at Sunny Side Studio vary depending on the metal you choose. While it can be hard to decide at first, the instructor's detailed explanations quickly clarify the differences.

K18 gold is highly durable and stable, so you don't have to worry about it being too soft and deforming, or changing color like 925 silver; you can wear it confidently for a long time. Most importantly, Sunny Side Studio's champagne gold is a unique blend developed by their sister workshop in Tokyo, offering a beautiful hue that isn't as yellow as traditional K gold.

Platinum 950 has a more subdued, grayish silver-white hue than silver, conveying a mature and stable impression. Compared to other metals, platinum is slightly heavier, offering a more secure fit on the finger. Platinum also boasts high resistance to discoloration, so you don't have to worry about it changing color even when worn in hot springs—you can wear it with confidence anywhere.

After selecting the material, you can choose the width and texture to ensure the ring perfectly expresses your personal style. Additionally, you can opt to inlay natural gemstones, adding unique charm and special meaning to your ring.

The DIY ring-making process begins with hammering, then moves through softening, bending, soldering, and finally polishing. You get to participate in every step, which is sure to satisfy any craft enthusiast.

What makes Sunny Side Studio special is the chance to experience platinum soldering, a rare technique in Taiwan. When heated, platinum glows with a beautiful orange light, and you'll need special goggles for the process. Winne and her husband even took a memorable photo wearing their goggles.

Under the guidance of a master artisan, you'll begin by hand-stamping, then heat and hammer the metal into the basic ring shape. Next, you'll refine the details, grinding and polishing to ensure the surface is smooth and perfectly matches your design. The entire process takes about three to four hours, with the instructor by your side the whole time to ensure you successfully complete your custom ring.

Winnie had previously struggled with the grinding and shaping steps in other Taichung Metalworking workshops, but the instructor at Sunny Side Studio patiently guided her through it. This helped Winnie overcome her past frustrations, rediscover the joy of crafting, and create a beautiful memory of the experience.

Once your piece is complete, the instructor will help you with the final touches. While you wait, you can enjoy refreshments prepared by the studio and relax with your partner. If you choose to add gemstones, the artisan will set them on-site, ensuring they are secure and perfectly showcased.

Thanks to the forging process, you can take your finished ring home on the same day, immediately experiencing the joy and accomplishment of creating it with your own hands. You can even capture precious memories of your work by a sun-drenched window.

Sunny Side Studio's ring boxes are incredibly elegant. Crafted from walnut, their warm texture adds a special touch to wedding rings. You'll receive one when you take a wedding ring workshop.