Rings
Mokume Gane
Mokume gane is an ancient Japanese metalworking technique that many modern jewelers have adopted. The result is a beautiful, layered design that resembles the natural grains of wood. Our mokume gane wedding bands and rings are handcrafted in the traditional manner of patterning a piece of mokume gane while flat and then forming it into the finished design. Each ring and wedding band is complete with a comfort fit interior for that extra-special Chris Ploof touch. Not only do we create all of our own mokume gane for our jewelry, but we supply the raw material and finished pieces to outside manufacturers.
Precision Cut Precious
If you’re looking for wedding rings beyond a plain solid band, these designs crafted in high-karat gold, palladium, and platinum, combined with diamonds, carbon fiber, or gold inlays, and embellished with patterning techniques, are the perfect solution. Our Rose Engine ring collection—one of the most unique collections available at Chris Ploof Designs—is created using a very rare lathe called a Rose Engine. There are less than 30 Armbruster Mk. II rose engines in existence, and we use one of them to create rings that feature precise geometric patterning impossible to create by hand and very difficult to duplicate with modern machining techniques. Also in this category, our cast pieces celebrate stunning Damascus patterns and the beauty and colors of precious metals. A mold is made from a Damascus steel ring and then cast in the precious metal of your choice.
Precious Damascus
Our precious Damascus collection was born from our desire to combine high-karat golds, platinum, and palladium with our hand-forged 304 and 316 stainless steel Damascus. This blend elevates the laminated steel into the realm of fine jewelry and presents a beautiful color contrast. Additionally, the Precious Damascus rings with gold lining are enhanced during the forging and fabrication process to provide a more comfortable fit.
Naked Damascus
At Chris Ploof Designs, we work with a modern stainless steel Damascus. It possesses all the beauty and qualities of the original; however, our variation is made from alloys that cannot rust like carbon-based steel. Our stainless steel Damascus is highly durable, easy to care for, and available in beautiful and unique patterns.
Meteorite
At Chris Ploof Designs, we pioneered the combination of out-of-this-world material with precious metals and gemstones to create the original meteorite ring. This 4.5-billion-year-old metal, obtained from the Gibeon meteorite, transforms into an incredibly comfortable piece of jewelry. After a rigorous selection process, our meteorite rings are fabricated by hand using a proprietary forging technique to enhance the corrosion resistance. We are the only makers to reject about half of the Gibeon meteorite we purchase in the interest of creating the best and most beautiful meteorite rings on (and off) the planet, and are one of the first makers to use this extraordinary material for wedding rings.
Engagement Rings
It was only a matter of time before we added our cutting-edge material to gemstones to create our engagement ring selections. At Chris Ploof Designs, we use our expertise with contemporary metal such as steel, meteorite, Damascus stainless steel, and mokume gane to handcraft engagement rings as beautiful and unique as the wearer. Our engagement rings feature natural diamonds, synthetic diamonds, and fair-trade gemstones and are perfect for those looking for something special in the world of cookie-cutter jewelry. Say yes to our unique handcrafted engagement rings, and you’ll be sure to have the proposal of a lifetime.
Steel Rings
Long before the rush to make rings out of titanium, tungsten, zirconium, tantalum, and other materials that are destructive to the environment when mined, steel was preferred due to its durability, beauty, and ability to be easily recycled. At Chris Ploof Designs, we still love steel and use 316 stainless steel for its incredible corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Our steel rings are turned on our machines, including our rose engine, and hand forged. Don’t pay too much for a ring that can’t be sized, is bad for the environment, and is just another fad. Stick with steel because steel is real.
