For details, please click on the images.
The wedding band is known since ancient time. The Egyptians and Romans already wore a ring on the fourth finger of the left hand (though notably only women wore a ring in the Old Rome). While the wedding band is worn at the left hand in many western countries, it is common practice to wear it on the right hand in Germany, Austria as well as in Norway, Russia and the Ukraine (besides some other countries).
The most classical wedding band is the simple gold ring - but even for this, there are uncountable variations possible. The colour may range from yellow (usually yellow gold 585 or yellow gold 750) to light gray (white gold 585 or white gold 750) or red (various red gold alloys); several colours in one ring are not unusual as well (bicolor or even tricolor rings). Other materials like platinum or palladium are used as well. Of course, silver can be used for wedding bands; though it is initially softer than the other materials mentioned, it is possible to harden the surface (for instance by forging).
Usually, the main question is still the design of the wedding bands. Most ring pairs found at jewellery stores consist of two identical rings - but why does it have to be that way? Of course, a pair of wedding bands should be discernible as such - but in the same way the bride and the groom bring their own personalities to the marriage, the wedding bands should be allowed to have their own personalities as well. Assume that one of the spouses does not like yellow gold while the other one definitely wants this colour in his/her ring - then it can be designed that way (for some examples, see the pictures above). I always do the design together with the bridal couple so both can contribute their ideas and preferences and both get their perfectly personalized wedding bands. Up to now, I found a solution for every single couple I did weddings bands for…
In addition to classical and unusual wedding bands, I also forge a lot of ring pairs from Mokume Gane. Wedding bands made from these materials are as suitable in day-to-day life as any other ring. You can select the used materials and colours as well as the pattern of the rings. It is also possible to have precious stones (like brilliant-cut diamonds) set into them - exactly like for classical rings. Since especially Mokume Gane is always forged by hand only, each pair of wedding bands is always unique - a second pair (even made from the same material) might look similar but never exactly the same.
Like always, there are differences in quality. As an example, a so-called "forged ring" can also be fabricated by metal casting. The surface might look like it has been forged - after prolonged wearing of that ring, it might get flattened by fair wear and tear and the structure starts to disappear. However, if the surface is really forged by using a hammer, it gets hardened as well in the process and the structure lasts. Obviously, hammering each ring by hand might not be feasible if one produces them in larger quantities…
Like for all other pieces, I emphasize perfect work and durability - after all, a pair of wedding bands is made for the whole life. For instance, the needed size of the rings might change over time - from that, I take this into account already during the design to make sure that changes are as easy as possible later on. Ringsize changes are thus usually free of charge for rings done by me (like checking the rings, especially with set stones, or general refurbishments).
Just contact me - I would be honored to design and manufacture your personal dream rings for the most beautiful day in your life and the rest of the marriage.