Jewelry workshop in Eunpyeong, Seoul for a wave ring: Munak

I made a wave ring through wax carving at Munak (무낙), a jewelry workshop in Yeonsinnae. I was not confident in either design or handwork, but I chose from samples and shaped it into the form I wanted with the owner's help.

How do you get there from Yeonsinnae Station?

I walked for about five minutes from Exit 6 of Yeonsinnae Station. Look for the orange three-dimensional sign on a brick building; the workshop is on the second floor. The address is 23 Tongil-ro 83-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul.

The hours listed when I visited were 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with no regular closing day. Parking is not available, and Naver reservations can be made. I visited with a same-day reservation.

What are the consultation and ring-making spaces like?

The shop felt spacious and cozy. It could accommodate group one-day classes, and there were many samples to refer to while considering a design. Even if you do not have a clear shape in mind, you can decide through a consultation with the owner.

The area for sitting while waiting or receiving a consultation was separate from the workspace where jewelry is made. The workspace was neatly organized as well.

How do you choose the ring design and size?

First, I looked through the samples and chose the shape I wanted to make. Making matching couple rings together was also possible, and there were necklace samples too. I made a ring, though, and did not separately confirm whether necklaces could be made.

I was told that all jewelry made at the workshop uses silver. A sample engraved with a date someone wanted to commemorate caught my eye.

Gemstones, plating, and engraving were possible, and I could choose the shape and thickness. Referring to the samples, I decided to make an irregular wave ring.

At my seat, I measured my size with a ring gauge and explained the style and any additions I wanted. I was told it would take about five to seven days to receive the finished piece, either by pickup or postal delivery.

Was wax carving manageable for a beginner?

The experience involved carving and refining blue wax myself to create the design. An apron was provided, and I could start comfortably at a tidy workbench.

First, I widened the hole inside the wax to fit my finger. Each station had a ring gauge, so I repeated carving, measuring, and trying it on. Then I refined the surface to create a wave shape, and the owner touched it up along the way.

The owner showed me how to use several tools, so I could follow along step by step. I worried whether I could make a pleasing shape, but changing the form myself was fun.

The step of smoothing the surface with a soldering iron was a little difficult. I dug too deeply in places and even broke the wax, but the owner repaired and refined it. In my case, I received a lot of help at this stage.

After getting the surface and thickness I wanted, I left the work of making it smooth and precise to the owner. If desired, it was also possible to continue and finish it yourself.

When and how did I receive the finished ring?

I received it through Korea Post delivery six weekdays after the day I made it.

The ring arrived neatly packaged, with a certificate included.

Did the finished wave ring look as I wanted?

The finished piece was a sterling silver (925) ring. The irregular wave showed from both above and the side, matching the feeling I had wanted while making it. I also liked the shine of the surface.

The inside of the ring was solid rather than hollow. I did not add a personal engraving; it retained the Munak engraving and the 925 silver mark. To my eye, it looked more sparkling than the white-plated 14k ring I wore with it.

I was satisfied that it also worked well stacked with other rings. I could not complete every part of the process smoothly on my own, but with help I finished the ring I wanted. I thought it could also be a nice time to make matching rings with a partner or create something commemorative with friends or family.