Damascus is made by blending two different kinds of stainless steels. It becomes stronger and more durable as skilled artisans twist and fold these metal layers, uniting them to create a one-of-a-kind pattern.

Lashbrook Designs make Damascus steel rings by hand, mimicking ancient metalsmithing techniques originally used to make samurai swords. Using two alternating types of stainless steel, our master craftsman heat, bond, twist and fold the metal layers together to produce vivid patterns.

After patterning the metal, there can be up to 100 layers in each piece of finished Damascus. Each Damascus steel ring is unique - no two designs will look exactly alike.

All our Damascus steel rings are made with stainless steel. Nearly all steels contain nickel, making Damascus steel not a good choice for those with nickel allergies. The processing of steel to make Damascus leaves the metal approximately twice the hardness of titanium and cobalt chrome. Despite its hardness, Damascus rings will scuff and show wear; however, the pattern and texture of the Damascus hides scratches much better than other rings, making Damascus one of the most durable metals we offer.

Gibeon meteorite was formed in space four billion years ago. It exploded upon entering Earth's atmosphere, landing in the desert of Namibia, Africa in scattered pieces over an area 171 miles long and 62 miles wide.

The Namibian government banned the export of Gibeon meteorite, as any newly discovered pieces are automatically protected as national monuments. This means that any meteorite specimens in circulation are of increasing value and incredibly limited supply. The origin and rarity of each meteorite ring makes it a distinctive piece of art.

Gibeon meteorite features a distinct crystalline structure on its surface, a pattern found only in diamonds and gemstones. This visible crystal structure, or Widmanstatten pattern, was caused by extremely slow cooling of the material in space.

The Widmanstatten pattern will vary slightly between pieces, as will the presence of inclusions. Inclusions are dark spots or tiny holes on the surface of the meteorite that are often traces of metals that, in some cases, do not occur naturally on earth. These inclusions are an important clue to the meteorite's origin and are identifiers of its authenticity.

The acid etching of the meteorite is the last step in the production of the ring. It is here where natural characteristics show themselves.

Despite its natural protection against rust, Gibeon meteorite is primarily composed of iron, so oxidation is always a possibility. Exposure to strong oxidizing agents such as chlorine, bleach, or salt can increase the chance of rusting.