MEET PANIZ
Ring-making workshop lead
Paniz leads our ring making and wedding band workshops through a hands-on, process-led approach - guiding each experience from first idea to final finish at the bench in our London studio.
My role is quite varied. I work across both retail and workshops, so I get to be part of people’s journeys in different ways - whether that’s helping someone find the right piece, or guiding them to make something of their own.
I love showing people what they’re capable of - especially when they don’t think of themselves as creative. There’s something really rewarding about seeing that shift.
I’d say I’m attentive and easy to talk to. I try to understand what each person wants to achieve and help them get there in a way that feels natural to them.
I’ve always enjoyed making things with my hands, especially working in three dimensions. Once I realised jewellery could be a career, it just made sense.
Proud, mostly. And happy with what they’ve made. It’s also about the experience - the people you meet, the time you spend doing something different - the ring just becomes a reminder of that.
WAX CARVING WORKSHOP
How do you balance guiding someone’s design while still keeping it their own?
It really depends on the person. I step in more if something is technically difficult, but I always try to keep the idea true to what they want. It often ends up being a bit of a collaboration.
How do you support someone if they’re struggling to realise their idea?
I take a step back and figure out what’s holding them back - whether it’s confidence or something more practical. There’s always a way to get there, it’s just about finding the right approach.
What’s your favourite part of the process to guide people through?
I really enjoy the beginning - introducing the tools and explaining how wax carving works. It’s usually the moment people realise this is something they can actually do.
How would you describe the wax carving workshop in a few words?
A really good starting point. It’s flexible, quite forgiving, and gives you a lot of freedom.
What do people enjoy most about working with wax?
Probably how open it is. There’s no single way to do it, and that gives people the confidence to experiment a bit more.
How do you help someone who feels unsure or “not creative”?
I try to take the pressure off. We focus on the process rather than the outcome - starting with tools and shapes - and the ideas tend to come naturally from there.
What kinds of rings do people tend to create?
It varies a lot. Some go quite simple and geometric, others get more experimental. That’s part of what makes it interesting - no two are ever the same.
WEDDING RING WORKSHOP
How does the atmosphere differ in the wedding ring workshop?
It’s much more intimate. It’s just the couple, so it feels more focused and personal from the start.
What is it like guiding couples through making their own rings?
It’s really special. I encourage them to work together, sometimes even on each other’s rings, which makes the process feel more shared.
What moments stand out to you during these sessions?
It’s often the quieter moments - when they’re really focused - followed by the excitement when they see what they’ve made. There’s usually a lot of laughter too.
What makes a handmade wedding ring feel different?
You understand what’s gone into it. The time, the effort, the small challenges along the way - it gives the ring a different kind of meaning.
FINAL THOUGHTS
What do you enjoy about working with your hands?
I like seeing something take shape from nothing. It can be challenging, but that’s part of what makes it satisfying.
What jewellery do you wear every day?
I tend to wear quite a few pieces - mostly earrings, nose rings, my wedding band stack, the Mallory one-of-a-kind ring, and my Hydra necklace. They’ve become part of how I dress.
What would you say to someone considering a workshop?
If you’re unsure, just ask. A lot of people feel hesitant at first, but once you understand how it works, it feels much more approachable.
DISCOVER MORE
Explore our handcrafted rings, discover our bespoke services, or learn more about our London Workshops.
