On the Durability of a Wooden Ring
The single most common inquiry I receive is regarding the durability of a wooden ring. Will it stand the test of time? Will I have to get it repaired/refinished/replaced within five years?
I say without ego (I hope you believe) that I make the most durable rings with wood components available - made anywhere, by anyone. I will stand by that without hesitation, based on the effort, care, and testing that has gone into employing the adhesives and finishes for my wooden rings. These are a combination of epoxies that are advanced well beyond the readily available and easily employed consumer grade ones to be found at a hardware store. More specifically they are proprietary blend used in the construction of hot tubs. They take special techniques and conditions to cure fully. Once cured they are stronger by far than the wood they used to protect. There simply aren’t stronger adhesives and finishes out there.
The resulting surface is clear as glass and is similar to that on a boat or car. It can be expected to endure similar conditions.
They are made to withstand daily wear. That said, no ring with a wooden component can withstand outright abuse. No matter how hard the epoxy finish, it can be damaged mechanically - scraped, cut, chipped etc. When the epoxy finish on the wooden ring is compromised, the wood is vulnerable to warping and other damage relating to moisture, oils, and the various nasty things hands come into daily contact with. Therefore, though all of the wood I use is dried and dimensionally stable and does not have a tendency to warp or change shape, this does not mean you can abuse it indefinitely and expect it to last forever.
Put another way: you don’t need to wear my rings carefully, but you do have to wear them consciously. I recommend taking the wooden ring off during any strenuous activities such as landscaping, moving heavy and rough objects, rock climbing, weight lifting, etc., as it may not be able to withstand such trauma. My rings have been tested and found able to withstand exposure to common solvents such a chlorine and hand sanitizer. However, I cannot recommend excessive exposure to these, as it is possible that it can wear down the finish of these wooden rings over the very long term.
Some customers elect to buy a companion ring. If, for example, they work with their hands for a living and understand that a truck mechanic should probably not wear a wooden ring while elbow deep in things that scrape, bash, and cut, they have a solid cobalt ring they wear to work and a wood-lined version for other times. If you decide that your lifestyle is just not fit for a wooden ring, I do sell solid metal rings:
http://www.wedgewoodrings.com/purchase/?category=Modern+Metals
To customers who are self-described as hard on their hands who do not want to wear a stand-in for those occasions, I cannot recommend a ring with a wooden component at all.
If you are deciding on a ring with a wooden component, the wood you choose can have a slight effect on the durability of your ring. In general, rosewoods such as Cocobolo and ironwoods such as Arizona Desert Ironwood Burl are much sturdier than woods such as Buckeye Burl and Spalted Tamarind. However, as long as the finish of your wooden ring remains intact, they are all almost equally durable.
If you would like to move forward and ensure that you choose the most durable wooden ring, check out this blog post where I have a comparison of durability of the metals I offer:
http://www.wedgewoodrings.com/blog/2016/1/18/comparing-metals-for-wood-rings
Comparing Metals for Wood Rings
Comparing the different types of metals available for use in a wood ring. These include Damascus Steel, Titanium, Cobalt, Gold, Black Zirconium, Tungsten Carbide and Black Cermaic.
Which Metal Should I Choose for my Wood Ring?
When shopping for a unique, one of a kind wedding band, many come across the idea of a wood ring. No two such rings are ever alike, and it stands out more than the traditional, plain wedding band. To enhance it's durability, a metal component is ideal. This leads to probably one of the most pressing questions for someone who has decided to purchase a wood and metal ring: “which metal is right for me?” From the standpoint of aesthetics, the choice is straightforward. If you love the non-traditional and striking appearance of a black ring and want a wood interior, black zirconium is the material for you! If you want your ring to resemble a traditional white gold or platinum ring, you are going to favor cobalt. However, beyond the purely visual impression each material gives, there are many factors one might want to consider when choosing a wood and metal ring.
Titanium and Wood Rings
Titanium has become an increasingly popular choice for those with metal allergies. It is completely hypoallergenic and biocompatible. It is fairly scratch resistant, much more so than gold, earning titanium a 950MPa on the Vickers Hardness Test scale while gold scores a mere 200. It is also resistant to corrosion or tarnish, unlike silver- even in salt water! It is very lightweight and, if you choose a satin finish, doesn't give off much of a shine, making it a comfortable fit for those who don't normally wear jewelry, or don't like anything too flashy.
If you would like your ring to show more of the wood, or if you would like to add a stone inlay such as turquoise, titanium gives the wearer an opportunity to customize their wood ring, with a wood exterior and titanium - no sacrificing durability.
If you have heard any rumors that titanium can not be cut off in emergency situations, please put that out of your mind.. This may have at one time been true, but today it is just an urban myth. To read more about this ludicrous claim, click here.
Cobalt and Wood Rings
If you are someone who wants to stick with the traditional look of a wedding band, but want that wooden interior look, cobalt is probably the ideal metal for you. It is similar to white gold or platinum in appearance, but is about four times harder than platinum, with an MPa of 1043 on the hardness scale. Similar to titanium, it is hypoallergenic and biocompatible. However, in many circumstances under which a titanium ring might scratch, cobalt will not.
Cobalt is another metal that can be customized with exterior inlays to enhance your wood ring. A Mokume-gane or gold inlay can be added such as in these styles here:
http://www.wedgewoodrings.com/purchase/cobalt-mokume-gane-whiskey-barrel-oak-wooden-ring
And if you are one who wants to show the wood of the ring inside and out, cobalt offers that chance as well:
Kingwood Rosewood and Cobalt Wooden Ring
http://www.wedgewoodrings.com/purchase/kingwood-and-cobalt-wooden-ring
Black Zirconium and Wood Rings
Probably the most strikingly non-traditional metal I offer in my shop would be the black zirconium. This has been favored amongst those who want something a little “edgier” for their wood ring. The zirconium is heat treated until the extreme heat causes oxidization, forming a very hard, durable black coating. This coating has a hardness rating of 1940MPa - the same as sapphire. Although it is very scratch resistant, if it scratched deeply enough, it can reveal the natural silver coloring of the zirconium underneath and is therefore not ideal for those who have a higher tendency to scratch phone screens, watch faces, etc.
For those who like a little flare to their black zirconium and wood ring, a 2 point precious stone inlay (including diamond, ruby, sapphire etc.) can be added:
Tungsten Carbide and Wood Rings
Tungsten Carbide, with an incredible 2600MPa on the hardness scale, is one of the most sought after metals if you value its unparalleled scratch resistance. Because it is 10x harder than gold, and 5x harder than steel, it makes for a perfect match for a wood ring as it will not bend or deform in any way. It can be filed or hammered, and not only will it not scratch, but it will maintain its perfect shine. Because of its density, however, it makes it heavier. MUCH heavier than titanium, for example. One factor to consider when shopping for a tungsten carbide ring with a wooden component is the relationship between hardness and brittleness. As with all superhard materials, a tungsten carbide ring, if it is dropped from head height onto concrete, has a good chance to crack. All rings in my shop are made using only US sourced materials, so the tungsten carbide I use does not crack easily, as comparable, cheap Chinese, poorly casted rings do.
http://www.wedgewoodrings.com/purchase/tungsten-carbide-ring-with-bourbon-barrel-oak-stave-wood-ring
Damascus Steel and Wood Rings
Damascus steel is my personal favorite amongst these metals. It is incredibly scratch resistant and heavier, making it ideal for tougher lifestyles. Damascus is made from many layers to create a stronger, superior metal. Throughout history and fantasy, this was the preferred choice for superior weapons- nothing says manly like blade steel.
If the word “steel” makes you nervous for fear of it rusting- not to worry. The natural oils in the skin as well as the quality steel alloys used in these rings actually prevent it from rusting.
I offer a few different styles of damascus to add to your wood ring. The CNC damascus is cut by machine, and there are little variations. It is brighter in color, and lightweight. Alternately, the hand wrought damascus is unique because it is like fingerprints- no two rings are ever alike. This makes it special to pair with wood, as both pieces are strictly one of a kind. It is also heavier and much more durable than the machine made damascus.
Black Ceramic and Wood Rings
Black ceramic is an ideal choice for electricians as it is non-conductive. It is extremely durable and scratch resistance, with a 2035MPa on the Hardness scale, making it more durable than any metal except tungsten carbide. Unlike the black zirconium, the black ceramic color is not coated- that is to say it is black through and through. Should it get scratched (which is unlikely), it will not reveal a different color underneath. This makes it a good choice for those who are more likely to scratch phone surfaces, watch faces, etc, but also like the black coloring. It makes for a handsome contrast with a wood ring:
http://www.wedgewoodrings.com/purchase/black-ceramic-ring-with-exhibition-grade-hawaiian-koa
Now, what is so wrong with traditional ring materials such as gold, silver and platinum that I don't like to pair them with my wood rings? Here's why:
Gold
The only thing nice about gold is the aesthetic. With a pitiful 200MPa on the Vickers Hardness Scale, it's just too soft. It scratches VERY easily, and is extremely malleable, meaning that over time it will bend, contort, and end up molding to the shape of your finger and unable to pass the knuckle. For a wood ring, this is just not an ideal match (unless strengthened with cobalt!), as to make the wooden portion more durable, the metal needs to be a sturdy material. Not only that, but it is, inexplicably in my view, EXPENSIVE! However, for those who just can't shake their love of gold, it makes a nice touch to a more durable titanium style, like this pinstripe ring:
If you must have solid gold, it is an option. Please consult this blog post before placing your order.
Sterling Silver
Like gold, it is a softer metal, making it prone to scratches, dents, and warping. It has an MPa of 250, making it only slightly more durable than gold. It also tarnishes easily- a five year old ring can look about twenty years old in person. The finish you choose won't last- a polished finish over time will become matte, and a satin finish will become brighter. Silver requires a lot of maintenance such as polishing, buffing, etc, to keep it looking nice.
Platinum
Out of the traditional materials, platinum is by far the best choice, with a 450-500MPa on the Vickers Hardness scale. However, platinum is even more expensive than gold, with not much more benefits than gold. While it won't corrode or tarnish like silver will, it will still scratch relatively easily. It will also lose its shine and sparkle over time.
While the traditional metals are nice at first, they just don't compare to cobalt, tungsten, damascus, or the other precious metals I've mentioned. They're extremely high maintenance, and are just unlikely to stand up to the test of time while still looking nice. My goal in combining these metals with wood rings is to give my customers an eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and unique option that will last decades, while still looking brand new.
Summary Chart
Tungsten Carbide Wooden Rings Now Available!
After a long time working out the kinks, Tungsten Carbide is now and option for wood inlay type rings. Tungsten Carbide for an exterior liner will simply not be possible. The material is so hard that at the required thicknesses, it would shatter.
Tungsten Carbide and Old Rip Van Winkle barrel oak:
Tungsten Carbide and Exhibition Grade Hawaiian Koa:
Not all Tungsten Carbide rings are the same! Tungsten and Carbon are elements that would naturally be a powder. They are combined at very high temperatures with binders to make an incredibly dense, nearly indestructible metal. The choice and quality of these extra elements are what sets this top quality, American made ring apart from its mass-produced-in-China counterparts. While it is possible to shatter a WedgeWoodTungsten Ring, it is not easy.
Because Tungsten Carbide exhibits unparalleled scratch resistance, it is the most durable possible choice for a wood ring. Unless you routinely encounter industrial diamond abrasives, your ring will never scratch. It is 10x harder than gold and 5x harder than steel. It will also not bend or deform in any way. It has a significant heft, nearly the weight of solid pure gold.
The finish is permanent and will never corrode. The color is a rugged, dark gray.
Comfort fit. 6mm or 8mm available.
Looking for a solid Tungsten Carbide ring without wood? Your request bores me! However, that is readily available at my other shop, Firefly Rings:
http://www.fireflyrings.com/tungstencarbiderings/
Belated Announcement of Cobalt and Wood Rings
Now that I have more than a few rings to show for my efforts, I am announcing that Cobalt is now a metal option for my wood rings. It joins Titanium, Black Zirconium, and Damascus Steel as options for outer liners for wood rings. Cobalt has a few desirable features: it is more scratch resistant than Titanium, its color is permanent and not an oxide layer (like Zr), and it is the color of white gold (though several times stronger). Here are a few of the practically infinite options:
To see the many style and options for wooden wedding bands, take a look at my shop.
New Black Zirconium Listings
The response to my new Black Zirconium offerings (and Damascus as well! but I admit to being most enthusiastic about Black Zirconium) has been overwhelming and gratifying. Working with this new material has provided so much inspiration, causing me to rethink design and what woods work best with what metals. Below are some new designs that include Black Zirconium, including on that incorporates Amboyna Burl, one of my favorite materials and one of the rarest, most expensive woods in the world. This is a ring I have been making for years, even back when I made all-wood rings. The original design was Gabon Ebony exterior and Amboyna Burl interior, and I am so pleased that I am able to make this design again.
