Hammered Wedding Bands: Unique, Handcrafted Rings

Hammered wedding bands are a unique type of wedding ring with a distinctive, rugged look. The hammered finish is created by using a customised hammer to build up textured layering on the ring's outer surface. This style of ring is popular as it is traditional yet one-of-a-kind, with no two hammered wedding bands being the same. The hammered style can be applied to a variety of metals, including gold, silver, tungsten, titanium, and cobalt chrome.

Hammered wedding bands are handcrafted and unique

Hammered wedding bands are made to order and handcrafted by skilled artisans. The process begins with a precious metal bar, which is then milled down to the desired size, width, and profile. After the wedding band has been created in the right shape, a customized hammer is used to create the texture on the outer surface. Short blows of the hammer help build up the textured layering, and harder blows create a more lasting impression. The inside of the band is then hand-polished to create a mirror-smooth finish.

The hammering process can be done in two different profiles: curvy or flat. A wide, rounded profile is achieved by choosing a curvy style, while a narrow, flat outer surface is created with a flat profile. Both styles come with an expertly polished inside band, machined to the customer's exact fit.

They are made from a variety of metals

Hammered wedding bands are made from a variety of metals, including some traditional options and newer, more durable alternatives. The hammered style is reminiscent of the original handcrafted wedding rings, which were painstakingly created by hand next to a blazing fire.

Today, hammered wedding rings are still made with age-old gold and silver, but also with contemporary metals like tungsten, titanium, cobalt chrome, tantalum, and black zirconium. These newer metals are highly durable, hypoallergenic, and resistant to scratches, tarnish, and corrosion.

For instance, tungsten is a heavier metal that is close in weight to platinum and has a darker grey tone. Titanium, on the other hand, is extremely lightweight and has a light grey colour. Cobalt chrome, which is similar in weight to tungsten, has a bright reflective white colour, much like white gold.

The more traditional metals used for hammered rings include gold, silver, and platinum. Gold is stronger than silver and is the most popular choice for wedding bands, with yellow gold being the most common variety. Platinum is known for its symbolism of pure, everlasting love, and its durability, though it is not scratch-resistant.

The choice of metal for a hammered wedding band depends on the couple's preferences, budget, and skin tone. The hammered style itself offers a unique, rugged look and can help camouflage any scratches or dents that may occur over time.

They are rugged and comfortable

The hammered wedding band is a style reminiscent of the original handcrafted wedding ring, with a rugged and comfortable aesthetic. This style of ring is created using a hammer to carefully shape the metal, resulting in a textured finish that is both unique and timeless. The hammered finish adds a one-of-a-kind touch to the band, giving it a rugged and stylish look.

The hammered wedding band is typically crafted from durable metals such as tungsten, titanium, cobalt chrome, Damascus steel, gold, and black zirconium. These metals offer a sturdy and long-lasting construction, ensuring that the ring can withstand the wear and tear of daily life. The hammered finish also serves a functional purpose, as it helps to camouflage any small scratches or dents that may occur over time. This makes it an ideal choice for those who lead active lifestyles or work with their hands, as the ring can endure heavy use while maintaining its distinctive appearance.

In addition to its rugged aesthetic, the hammered wedding band is also designed with comfort in mind. The hammered feature is applied only to the outside of the ring, while the inside is often crafted with a rounded "comfort fit" design. This ensures that the ring sits comfortably on the finger, providing a smooth and pleasant wearing experience. The lightweight nature of some metals, such as titanium, also contributes to the overall comfort of the ring, making it a pleasure to wear every day.

The hammered wedding band is a versatile choice, offering a wide range of customisation options to suit different preferences and budgets. The hammered finish can be applied to a variety of metals, allowing couples to choose a ring that aligns with their style and financial considerations. Whether opting for traditional metals like gold and silver or more contemporary choices like tungsten and titanium, the hammered finish adds a unique touch that sets it apart from other ring styles.

Overall, the hammered wedding band is a perfect blend of rugged style and comfortable wearability. With its distinctive texture, durable construction, and customisation options, it is a popular choice for couples seeking a unique and meaningful symbol of their love. The hammered finish adds a touch of character to the ring, reflecting the unique story and history represented by each band.

Hammered rings can be resized

Hammered wedding bands are rings that have a stylish hammered finish, giving them a one-of-a-kind rugged look. This finish can be applied to a wide variety of metals, including gold, silver, platinum, palladium, tungsten, titanium, cobalt chrome, and stainless steel.

Most hammered rings made with traditional metals can be resized. However, some styles cannot be resized due to the alternative metals used. For example, Revolution Jewelry states that most of their hammered rings cannot be resized because of the alternative metals used in their designs. Nevertheless, they do offer size exchanges on all their rings as outlined in their shop policies.

Resizing a ring involves reshaping the metal band to make the opening for your finger bigger or smaller. This can be achieved by compressing or stretching the band or by cutting into the band and adding or removing metal. For instance, when resizing a ring down, a jeweller will take out a small portion of the band, join the remaining pieces back together, and solder the joint. The ring is then cleaned and polished to remove any antioxidants and smooth its surface.

On the other hand, upsizing a ring is more intricate, and the method varies depending on how much larger the ring needs to be. If the ring needs to be resized by half a size, stretching the band is often the best option. However, if the ring needs to be resized by more than half a size, the band will need to be cut and a bridge of metal added. The circular shape is then restored, and the ring is soldered or laser welded back together, depending on the metal type and the presence of precious stones.

When resizing a hammered ring, it is important to consider the type of metal, stone setting, and design. For instance, platinum and stainless steel are more challenging to resize due to their high melting points, requiring specialised equipment and increasing the cost. Additionally, rings with channel-set stones may face the issue of loosened stones during the resizing process, and certain gemstones cannot withstand the heat of the torch needed for resizing.

They are a popular alternative to traditional wedding bands

Hammered wedding bands are a popular alternative to traditional wedding bands. They are unique, with no two rings the same, and they have unusual textures that ooze charisma. They are also very traditional in aesthetics, with a tone that matches most skin tones.

Hammered wedding rings are available in a wide range of styles and metals, including gold, silver, tungsten, titanium, palladium, and platinum. They are also available in contemporary metals such as cobalt chrome, which has a bright reflective white colour, and stainless steel, which is highly durable and affordable.

The hammered style is popular as it can hide small scratches and dents, making it perfect for those whose rings will be exposed to heavy wear and tear. The hammered feature is only on the outside of the ring, with the inside often being a rounded 'comfort fit' design.

Hammered wedding bands are also very affordable, with prices starting at $29.60 for a simple sterling silver hammered band.

Frequently asked questions