Mokume-Gane
An ancient Japanese technique originally used for crafting swords and artwork hundreds of years ago.
The methods for crafting mokume-gane rings have evolved as technology has improved.
To create a ring like this, multiple alternating flat layers of 9ct white gold and 9ct yellow gold are stacked just like licorice allsorts.
These layers are then fused together using a process called solid state diffusion bonding.
The alternating billet has now become one solid piece of metal. It is then twisted, deformed and forged to produce the undulating pattern.
The complex and laborious processing of the metals creates a wood-grain like mixture of the two metals, through the full thickness and width of the ring.
Damascus steel employs a similar technique with two different grades of steel with some important distinctions.
Damascus steel requires acid etching to partially corrode away one of the steels in the mixture to create a contrast, otherwise both steels would look the same.
Acid etching also creates considerable texture on the surface where one of the metals has been eaten away, so the surface is not smooth.
mokume-gane does not require acid etching, as the metals themselves have different colours.
This also means the surface of this ring is smooth and seamless.
The combination of 9ct yellow and white gold forms a low contrast and subtle pattern.
The pictured ring features a subtly domed outer profile to highlight the pattern, with a flat inner profile.
While it is available in a comfort fit it is significantly more expensive due to the nature of the complex manufacturing requirements.
The pictured ring is 6mm in width and 1.3mm in thickness.
No two rings will ever look the same.
