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A Unique Alternative to Traditional Men's Wedding Bands

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When it comes to wedding bands, many men are seeking new options that stand out from the usual simple gold or platinum rings. Today’s grooms want something that reflects and allows them to express their personal style and interests. We want to introduce you to a "new" old art form called Mokume Gane. A niche that is gaining popularity, offering both an earthy aesthetic and environmental significance.

The Rise of Mokume Wedding Bands

Mokume gane mens wedding ring made with red gold, yellow gold, palladium and silver. Made in a twisting pattern with an etched finish for slight texture.

The trend towards alternative men's wedding bands is growing, as more individuals desire a ring that tells their unique story and reflects their ideas and interests. Traditional metals such as gold and platinum possess a timeless charm, and using these precious materials to blend their classic qualities with vibrant colors and intriguing patterns offers an enhanced appeal. Mixing metals to create visually striking color palettes, and bringing old world skills and techniques to the modern age.

Artisan Craftsmanship: Mokume Gane

One of the most fascinating alternatives in the realm of unique wedding bands is Mokume Gane, a Japanese metalworking technique that produces a wood grain pattern. The term "Mokume Gane" translates to "wood grain metal," and its' intricate designs are achieved by layering and bonding different colored metals. This process creates a one-of-a-kind pattern that can be customized and offers an entire world of possibilities for design.

The Process of Mokume Gane

Close up of a mokume gane billet that has been fused together, many layers of metal stacked and pressed together to bond them.

Crafting a Mokume Gane ring is a detailed, time-intensive process that demands both precision and skill. The metals— in our studio we use combinations of high karat golds, palladium and silver - are fused under high pressure and temperature. The bonded metals are then painstakingly manipulated to reveal the layers, resulting in a mesmerizing pattern. Each piece is as unique as a fingerprint, making it a true testament to craftsmanship.

Customization: Crafting a Personal Narrative

Custom wedding rings offer the opportunity to incorporate elements that hold personal significance. This ring, for example, was a custom ordered ring, where the pattern has been specifically designed to resemble a map of a hiking trail, a location of great sentimental importance to the couple. When so many elements - the metal combinations, the patterns, the shape of the band itself - are able to be personalized, it's possible to create truly one of a kind pieces that represent both the individual and the bond shared with a partner.

Custom designed mokume gane ring made with dark and light silver colored metal, three dimensional texture made to look like a topographic map.

Incorporating Gemstones

While gemstones are traditionally associated with women’s rings, they are becoming increasingly popular in men's wedding bands as well. Unconventional choices like black diamonds, multicolor sapphires, diamond crystals, and more, can add a touch of color and intrigue. These stones can be set into the band or used as an accent to create a striking contrast with the metal.

Shown here are two different rings made in Arn's Guri Bori pattern, one with small diamonds that have been set flush into the ring and placed organically around the band for just a hint of sparkle. The other has a smoky gray raw diamond crystal set in his Mesa style, designed to look like the stone is in the process of emerging from the earth.

Mokume gane mens wedding ring, flat profile, made with red and yellow gold, palladium and oxidized silver. Patterned to resemble rocky terrain, with tiny diamonds placed organically around the band.

Mokume gane mens ring, made with yellow gold, palladium and oxidized silver. Patterned to resemble a rocky dimensional texture, with a large diamond crystal set into the band.

Ethical and Sustainable Choices

In today’s conscientious world, many couples are opting for wedding bands that align with their ethical and environmental values. Choosing rings made from recycled metals and other sustainably sourced materials is a way to honor those commitments.

Recycled Metals

Using recycled metals lowers the demand for newly mined materials and are an excellent option for eco-conscious consumers. These metals are refined to the same purity as newly mined metals, ensuring that the quality of the ring is uncompromised.

Fair Trade and Conflict-Free Diamonds

For those incorporating diamonds into their wedding bands, selecting fair trade and conflict-free stones is paramount. This ensures that the gemstones are sourced responsibly without exploitation or environmental harm. We also encourage the use of stones from heirloom pieces, in addition to being a great sustainable choice, using heirloom stones can add and extra sentimental touch.

Embracing Individuality in Wedding Bands

The world of men's wedding bands is evolving, offering a wealth of unique alternatives to traditional rings. With the elements of innovative materials, artisan craftsmanship like Mokume Gane, and personalized customization, there is a perfect option for every groom. As you begin this journey, consider what resonates with your personal style and values, and choose a ring that not only signifies your commitment but also tells your story.

Remember that the best choice is one that aligns with your personality, lifestyle, and values, creating a lasting symbol of your partnership.

 

Read more

A Unique Alternative to Traditional Men's Wedding Bands

Posted by Susan Freda on

When it comes to wedding bands, many men are seeking new options that stand out from the usual simple gold or platinum rings. Today’s grooms want something that reflects and allows them to express their personal style and interests. We want to introduce you to a "new" old art form called Mokume Gane. A niche that is gaining popularity, offering both an earthy aesthetic and environmental significance.

The Rise of Mokume Wedding Bands

Mokume gane mens wedding ring made with red gold, yellow gold, palladium and silver. Made in a twisting pattern with an etched finish for slight texture.

The trend towards alternative men's wedding bands is growing, as more individuals desire a ring that tells their unique story and reflects their ideas and interests. Traditional metals such as gold and platinum possess a timeless charm, and using these precious materials to blend their classic qualities with vibrant colors and intriguing patterns offers an enhanced appeal. Mixing metals to create visually striking color palettes, and bringing old world skills and techniques to the modern age.

Artisan Craftsmanship: Mokume Gane

One of the most fascinating alternatives in the realm of unique wedding bands is Mokume Gane, a Japanese metalworking technique that produces a wood grain pattern. The term "Mokume Gane" translates to "wood grain metal," and its' intricate designs are achieved by layering and bonding different colored metals. This process creates a one-of-a-kind pattern that can be customized and offers an entire world of possibilities for design.

The Process of Mokume Gane

Close up of a mokume gane billet that has been fused together, many layers of metal stacked and pressed together to bond them.

Crafting a Mokume Gane ring is a detailed, time-intensive process that demands both precision and skill. The metals— in our studio we use combinations of high karat golds, palladium and silver - are fused under high pressure and temperature. The bonded metals are then painstakingly manipulated to reveal the layers, resulting in a mesmerizing pattern. Each piece is as unique as a fingerprint, making it a true testament to craftsmanship.

Customization: Crafting a Personal Narrative

Custom wedding rings offer the opportunity to incorporate elements that hold personal significance. This ring, for example, was a custom ordered ring, where the pattern has been specifically designed to resemble a map of a hiking trail, a location of great sentimental importance to the couple. When so many elements - the metal combinations, the patterns, the shape of the band itself - are able to be personalized, it's possible to create truly one of a kind pieces that represent both the individual and the bond shared with a partner.

Custom designed mokume gane ring made with dark and light silver colored metal, three dimensional texture made to look like a topographic map.

Incorporating Gemstones

While gemstones are traditionally associated with women’s rings, they are becoming increasingly popular in men's wedding bands as well. Unconventional choices like black diamonds, multicolor sapphires, diamond crystals, and more, can add a touch of color and intrigue. These stones can be set into the band or used as an accent to create a striking contrast with the metal.

Shown here are two different rings made in Arn's Guri Bori pattern, one with small diamonds that have been set flush into the ring and placed organically around the band for just a hint of sparkle. The other has a smoky gray raw diamond crystal set in his Mesa style, designed to look like the stone is in the process of emerging from the earth.

Mokume gane mens wedding ring, flat profile, made with red and yellow gold, palladium and oxidized silver. Patterned to resemble rocky terrain, with tiny diamonds placed organically around the band.

Mokume gane mens ring, made with yellow gold, palladium and oxidized silver. Patterned to resemble a rocky dimensional texture, with a large diamond crystal set into the band.

Ethical and Sustainable Choices

In today’s conscientious world, many couples are opting for wedding bands that align with their ethical and environmental values. Choosing rings made from recycled metals and other sustainably sourced materials is a way to honor those commitments.

Recycled Metals

Using recycled metals lowers the demand for newly mined materials and are an excellent option for eco-conscious consumers. These metals are refined to the same purity as newly mined metals, ensuring that the quality of the ring is uncompromised.

Fair Trade and Conflict-Free Diamonds

For those incorporating diamonds into their wedding bands, selecting fair trade and conflict-free stones is paramount. This ensures that the gemstones are sourced responsibly without exploitation or environmental harm. We also encourage the use of stones from heirloom pieces, in addition to being a great sustainable choice, using heirloom stones can add and extra sentimental touch.

Embracing Individuality in Wedding Bands

The world of men's wedding bands is evolving, offering a wealth of unique alternatives to traditional rings. With the elements of innovative materials, artisan craftsmanship like Mokume Gane, and personalized customization, there is a perfect option for every groom. As you begin this journey, consider what resonates with your personal style and values, and choose a ring that not only signifies your commitment but also tells your story.

Remember that the best choice is one that aligns with your personality, lifestyle, and values, creating a lasting symbol of your partnership.

 

Read more

Arn's Latest Metal Patterning in Mokume/

Posted by Susan Freda on

Arn recently completed some beautiful custom mokume wedding rings featuring stones, so we wanted to share these and talk about different options for stone setting and showing off a statement stone! 

When we think of a "traditional" engagement/wedding style, the prong setting easily comes to mind. While this is indeed a classic look, there are some downsides to a prong setting. One thing to keep in mind is that they tend to be higher profile and more vulnerable, making it more likely to get snagged or bumped. Prongs can also weaken over time, and usually require re-tipping to keep a stone secure. Considering this, we'd like to show you a few more hardy and unique (but still elegant) bezel setting styles that can be made to last just like the mokume itself!

A great option for larger and uniquely shaped stones is a bezel setting! Here we have a few different takes on that style that complement the aesthetic of the mokume while also providing protection and support for these stones.

This is a partial mokume bezel, it can also be done as a full bezel, surrounding the stone on all sides. It is created from a piece of mokume stock just like the main ring, and helps the setting feel like an extension of the band with the continuation of mokume patterning!



Here is an example of another partial bezel, but shown in a solid 14kt yellow gold that complements the palette of the band. Bezels are also great for more unique stone shapes such as this elongated hexagon shaped sapphire! They can be custom made to wrap around different stones, and as shown here they can be done in the partial style to still show off more of the stone if desired.

Lastly, shown here is an example of our Mesa style setting. This is an excellent option if you are wanting something similar to a flush setting but with a larger stone! We can flush set stones up to 3mm wide, as any larger are usually too deep for the thickness of our bands. This setting looks great with our Guri Bori pattern as shown here, inspired by natural landforms of the western US.

Read more

Arn's Latest Metal Patterning in Mokume/

Posted by Susan Freda on

Arn recently completed some beautiful custom mokume wedding rings featuring stones, so we wanted to share these and talk about different options for stone setting and showing off a statement stone! 

When we think of a "traditional" engagement/wedding style, the prong setting easily comes to mind. While this is indeed a classic look, there are some downsides to a prong setting. One thing to keep in mind is that they tend to be higher profile and more vulnerable, making it more likely to get snagged or bumped. Prongs can also weaken over time, and usually require re-tipping to keep a stone secure. Considering this, we'd like to show you a few more hardy and unique (but still elegant) bezel setting styles that can be made to last just like the mokume itself!

A great option for larger and uniquely shaped stones is a bezel setting! Here we have a few different takes on that style that complement the aesthetic of the mokume while also providing protection and support for these stones.

This is a partial mokume bezel, it can also be done as a full bezel, surrounding the stone on all sides. It is created from a piece of mokume stock just like the main ring, and helps the setting feel like an extension of the band with the continuation of mokume patterning!



Here is an example of another partial bezel, but shown in a solid 14kt yellow gold that complements the palette of the band. Bezels are also great for more unique stone shapes such as this elongated hexagon shaped sapphire! They can be custom made to wrap around different stones, and as shown here they can be done in the partial style to still show off more of the stone if desired.

Lastly, shown here is an example of our Mesa style setting. This is an excellent option if you are wanting something similar to a flush setting but with a larger stone! We can flush set stones up to 3mm wide, as any larger are usually too deep for the thickness of our bands. This setting looks great with our Guri Bori pattern as shown here, inspired by natural landforms of the western US.

Read more

Your Custom Mokume Tri Color Ring & The Beauty of Nature

Posted by Susan Freda on

Mokume is a beautiful craft dating back to 17th century Japan for use in sword-making, characterized by a woodgrain like appearance of many layers of different metals fused together to make one piece. This specialized technique of successfully forging together sheets of metal into one billet so that they are bonded and structurally sound requires great skill and years of experience as a metalsmith. 


And with this method of creating and patterning rings by hand, either through forging or carving, there is an inherent variability to how the appearance of the ring will ultimately turn out! One of the things Arn loves about mokume and the practice of making it is that not all aspects of how the final ring will look is controllable, which makes each one truly unique. We know that you love this aspect of mokume as well.  Nature never makes the same thing twice and this is one of the most striking and under-recognized aspects of what we attribute beauty to. Much like life, handmade things are unpredictable and beautiful.  


When you order your ring with us there a few paths to consider. We can help you unravel the work of choosing by walking you through the process a bit here.  We offer Custom and  Bespoke options. 


To help you visualize, here's an example. These two rings are both 7mm wide, made in our Firestorm palette (14kt red gold, 14kt yellow gold, palladium and sterling silver) Tri color ring and Twist pattern, with a low dome profile and etched and oxidized finish. There is no difference in the metals used or the proportion of the metals in the billet used for each ring, but they each have little details and differences that make them unique and distinct from one another!

 

Firestorm in particular of all of our billets has a range of variation that can be more noticeable and less controllable, as it is a four color combination, rather than two or three. As in its name, this palette is meant to be a whirlwind of color all mixed together to echo the complex and mesmerizing varieties of nature. 



Custom vs. Bespoke 

Our bespoke options are studio-approved alterations to existing AKM designs. For example you love the pattern but would like a different stock pallet that we offer ; while custom orders are designed from the ground up! This requires much more communication time as well as time at the bench, than a bespoke alteration.  


Here are a few examples of custom designs. This can include custom patterns designed by Arn, a custom billet different from our usual stock options, a custom setting for an unusual stone, the possibilities are wide open!
 

We wish you all a happy holiday season and a bright new year, and look forward to continuing to create with you!

 

Much love,

Arn Krebs Mokume 

Read more

Your Custom Mokume Tri Color Ring & The Beauty of Nature

Posted by Susan Freda on

Mokume is a beautiful craft dating back to 17th century Japan for use in sword-making, characterized by a woodgrain like appearance of many layers of different metals fused together to make one piece. This specialized technique of successfully forging together sheets of metal into one billet so that they are bonded and structurally sound requires great skill and years of experience as a metalsmith. 


And with this method of creating and patterning rings by hand, either through forging or carving, there is an inherent variability to how the appearance of the ring will ultimately turn out! One of the things Arn loves about mokume and the practice of making it is that not all aspects of how the final ring will look is controllable, which makes each one truly unique. We know that you love this aspect of mokume as well.  Nature never makes the same thing twice and this is one of the most striking and under-recognized aspects of what we attribute beauty to. Much like life, handmade things are unpredictable and beautiful.  


When you order your ring with us there a few paths to consider. We can help you unravel the work of choosing by walking you through the process a bit here.  We offer Custom and  Bespoke options. 


To help you visualize, here's an example. These two rings are both 7mm wide, made in our Firestorm palette (14kt red gold, 14kt yellow gold, palladium and sterling silver) Tri color ring and Twist pattern, with a low dome profile and etched and oxidized finish. There is no difference in the metals used or the proportion of the metals in the billet used for each ring, but they each have little details and differences that make them unique and distinct from one another!

 

Firestorm in particular of all of our billets has a range of variation that can be more noticeable and less controllable, as it is a four color combination, rather than two or three. As in its name, this palette is meant to be a whirlwind of color all mixed together to echo the complex and mesmerizing varieties of nature. 



Custom vs. Bespoke 

Our bespoke options are studio-approved alterations to existing AKM designs. For example you love the pattern but would like a different stock pallet that we offer ; while custom orders are designed from the ground up! This requires much more communication time as well as time at the bench, than a bespoke alteration.  


Here are a few examples of custom designs. This can include custom patterns designed by Arn, a custom billet different from our usual stock options, a custom setting for an unusual stone, the possibilities are wide open!
 

We wish you all a happy holiday season and a bright new year, and look forward to continuing to create with you!

 

Much love,

Arn Krebs Mokume 

Read more

Mokume Metals By Palette

Posted by Susan Freda on

We often get questions about metal palette colors, and we've noticed sometimes it seems unclear which metals are which, especially because the colors can look different in the context of different palettes! So we've created these diagrams of a few of our more popular palettes to help point out which metals are which. 
 

Read more

Mokume Metals By Palette

Posted by Susan Freda on

We often get questions about metal palette colors, and we've noticed sometimes it seems unclear which metals are which, especially because the colors can look different in the context of different palettes! So we've created these diagrams of a few of our more popular palettes to help point out which metals are which. 
 

Read more

The Romance and History of the Mokume Gane Ring Set

Posted by Susan Freda on

Ancient Egyptians believed that the ring finger, or the fourth finger of the left hand, contained a “vena amoris” or “vein of love” that connected directly to the heart.

Read more

The Romance and History of the Mokume Gane Ring Set

Posted by Susan Freda on

Ancient Egyptians believed that the ring finger, or the fourth finger of the left hand, contained a “vena amoris” or “vein of love” that connected directly to the heart.

Read more