Similar in weight to precious metals, however many times harder and more durable
Cobalt Chrome is a bright white metal with a brilliant luster, platinum in appearance
Even though much harder and stronger than precious metals, it will still scuff and mar over time
Hypoallergenic
Can be resized
Commonly used in jet engine turbines and orthopedic applications
4 x harder than platinum and 5 x harder than gold
Will last forever!
TITANIUM - Ti6AL4V
Lashbrook Designs uses aerospace grade Titanium, which is more expensive and harder to work with, however is much stronger than pure Titanium.
Very lightweight - comparable to aluminum
Although marketed as scratch-resistant, it tends to show small scuffs and wear over time
Titanium rings can take a great deal of abuse without cracking, breaking, or bending
Due to the incredible strength and durability of titanium, it is very difficult to work with compared to gold, silver and platinum
Hypoallergenic
Cannot be resized
Fun and stress-free fact: Titanium will not irritate or discolor your skin and will not harm the body in any way. Titanium is used in the medical and dental fields in surgical implants, bone screws, hip replacements, heart valves and more.
A Titanium ring may long outlive the wearer!
TANTALUM
Heavier dense metal, similar weight to platinum
Tantalum got its name from Tantalus, a villain in Greek mythology
Tantalum appears in a beautiful grey color with a hint of blue (gunmetal color)
Extremely RARE metal that may be depleted in the next 50 years
Metal will scuff and wear over time, but hold up to a great deal of abuse without cracking, bending, and breaking
Hypoallergenic
Can be resized
Tantalum is used in capacitors that can be found in smartphones, tablets, and computers
New to the jewelry industry
ZIRCONIUM
Lightweight and comfortable
Simply black in color, can be both bold and timeless
Great material for exotic uses, traditionally used in nuclear reactors and submarines
In its natural state, Zirconium is a silver-grey color. Through a heating process, a layer of hard black oxide grows on the metal, this layer is very thin, yet much stronger than the raw Zirconium
The black oxide will NOT rub off over time
Hypoallergenic
Cannot be resized
Should be treated as fine jewelry, as Black Zirconium rings can scratch if worn during harsh activities
DAMASCUS STEEL
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.
METEORITE
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.