If you’d like to learn more about this fascinating material, how it’s made and worked with, or about the options for custom ring-making, feel free to read on. Please note that the website is primarily designed for larger screens. It should work on mobile as well, but not everything will display as nicely as it does on a computer or laptop.
RING GUIDE
In this section, you’ll find tips to help you decide what kind of ring to choose, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about materials, pricing, and individual ring patterns.
I offer handmade rings forged from stainless damascus steel. This unique material features a variety of interesting patterns that emerge during the forging process. Each ring becomes a one-of-a-kind original – perfect for those looking for something different than traditional gold for their wedding day. Rings can also be made for anniversaries or as special gifts for birthdays or other meaningful occasions.
If something catches your eye – or if you can’t find what you’re looking for – feel free to send me a message! I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have, no strings attached. Most things can be arranged, and I’d be glad to help you plan custom rings tailored exactly to your wishes. You’ll find several easy ways to reach me in the “Contact” section.
Today, the term “damascus” is commonly used for layered steel, made through a complex process of forging thin sheets of various steel types, folding them together, and then forge-welding them in a furnace. The resulting material is then further shaped by forging, pressing, twisting, and grinding – depending on the desired pattern and properties. The final product reveals a wide variety of beautiful patterns after being dipped in acid, which etches each type of steel at a different rate and creates a tangible surface texture of the damascus pattern.
Simply put, damascus steel consists of individual “layers” of different types of steel, forge-welded together into one solid piece.
What material do I use and why?
For jewelry making, stainless damascus steel is used. A material that is very difficult to produce under regular workshop conditions. That’s why most jewelers prefer the Swedish material Damasteel. I use it for making rings as well, even though I’m capable of producing my own. It’s top-tier in its category, made using powder metallurgy, which ensures a flawless final material. At the same time, it offers extreme corrosion resistance.
Allergies? Only in rare cases…
The material I use, as mentioned above, is either stainless damascus steel I make myself or modern austenitic powder steel from Damasteel. It’s a combination of two stainless steels. The first is commonly known as “surgical” steel, used for things like body piercings (316L). The second component is so-called “food-grade” stainless steel (304L), certified for contact with food. This type of steel should not cause any allergic reactions, but even so, in rare cases, a reaction may still occur. I personally believe that unless you suffer from very strong allergies or have a severe nickel allergy, everything should be just fine.
Ring size
For rings, I need an exact size measured using professional jeweler’s ring sizers. Most jewelry stores should be able to measure your finger for a small fee. Please avoid using paper strips, string, or rulers – this helps prevent disappointment and the possible need to make a new ring. Size adjustments after the ring is finished are only possible to a very limited extent.
I also need to know your preferred ring width. Meaning how wide the ring will appear on your finger when viewed from above. For example, 4–7 mm for women’s rings and 6–10 mm for men’s are fairly common, but it really depends on personal preference. I’ve made rings ranging from 3 mm to 12 mm in width. It all depends on what feels and looks right for each person.
Personal consultation
If you’re not too far from me (Olomouc region-Czech republic), it’s no problem to arrange a personal consultation. I can measure your ring size here directly. You’ll get to see sample rings, and I’ll help you with the selection. 🙂 Every ring is custom-made. The photos shown are of pieces I’ve made for previous clients. The final pattern may vary, but the overall design will be the same.
Pricing, process, payment, and delivery
Ring prices typically range from about 3,500 to 7,000 CZK per piece, depending on the width, pattern, and other details. The upper end of the range applies to extra-wide rings that are roughly equivalent to two standard rings in terms of material. “Regular” width rings with classic shapes are usually closer to the lower end of the price range.
For up-to-date prices, please check the “Pricing” section. I can also accept international payments and ship worldwide, if possible. More details can be found in the Pricing section. Or feel free to send me a message or give me a call. English is not a problem at all, and I can also speak Spanish if needed. I’ll be happy to explain everything, provide additional details, or point you in the right direction.
Lead time depends on agreement. Usually, it’s a matter of a several weeks, but if you’re in a hurry, I can pull a “night shift” and have the rings ready within a few days. 🙂
Work begins after receiving a deposit of one third of the total price. Once the rings are finished within the agreed time frame, I’ll send you photos of the completed pieces. After the remaining balance is paid, I ship the insured package. Personal pickup is possible, but I don’t offer cash on delivery. You can find available payment methods in the Pricing section.
Decoration options, ring shapes, and damascus patterns
As mentioned above, damascus steel offers a variety of patterns and textures to choose from. If you’re interested, we can also discuss unique designs or custom shapes.
Rings can be decorated with details like a forged-in rivet, a beveled tip, or an unconventional form. Offering an original alternative to traditional gemstones.
Due to past issues with stones coming loose, I no longer offer gemstone setting. If you’re looking for a ring with a stone, please consider another maker.
For more information about damascus patterns, shapes, and decoration options, please check the “Ring styles” section.
Engraving
By agreement, I can prepare the inner side of the ring with a smooth finish, making it suitable for engraving. You’re welcome to arrange hand engraving on your own, or I can provide laser engraving upon request.
You can engrave things like dates, names of the couple, and so on. Longer sentence or a personal motto can also be engraved, depending on space. It’s good to keep in mind that even though the engraving is done by machine, the setup is done manually. So with longer texts, there’s a chance the engraving might be slightly off-center or tilted.
I can send you a selection of fonts to choose – from classic to decorative or calligraphic styles.
The number of characters is limited to a reasonable length that fits nicely on the ring. The price is the same whether you choose 5 characters or 20. Exact pricing for engraving and for preparing the inner surface can be found in the “Pricing” section.
Durability and maintenance of damascus steel
I often get asked how durable the damascus pattern is and what kind of maintenance it requires.
As mentioned earlier, this is stainless damascus steel, which is essentially maintenance-free. The ring won’t tarnish or rust. However, depending on how it’s worn, the dark patina may gradually fade over time, making the ring appear overall lighter – more like a shiny silver lines combined with matte grey-silver ones. This can vary based on things like what kind of soap you use, your type of work, and so on.
The contrast on my jewelry is achieved through a relatively deep acid etch that never disappears, followed by a highly durable patina applied to the etched structure. This patina lasts a long time, but again, it depends on how often and in what conditions the ring is worn. In other words, if you wear the ring while doing dishes every day, working in the garden, or you live near the sea where it’s constantly exposed to sand and friction, or you use harsh soaps, the patina may eventually wear off. On the other hand, if you take the ring off when washing your hands and avoid rough use, the contrast will last for many years.
The second thing to consider is the natural wear and tear that comes with everyday use – small dents and scratches that appear on all regularly worn items. While steel is known for being a strong and durable material, it’s important to remember that any material of equal or greater hardness will leave a mark. And on damascus steel, such marks can be more visible due to its patterned surface.
There’s no need to worry about the pattern wearing off completely with normal use. It won’t just rub away and disappear. But it’s good to keep in mind that if you scrape the ring against a wall or rub hard on a metal railing, it will leave a “mark”. And that’s simply part of wearing a damascus ring.
Right from the start, it’s good to know that the finer the damascus pattern, the more prone it is to scratching. The layers are made up of thin alternating steel laminations. And the finer they are, the more delicate and vulnerable they become. Rougher patterns, on the other hand, have thicker layers that are simply stronger.
You can also consider the shape of the ring – for example, a design with an edge or pointed detail that encourages the wearer to keep the ring oriented with the decorative side facing up. That’s because 95% of scratches happen on the palm side. Typically from rubbing against railings, grabbing tools, tossing keys around, and so on.
That said, this applies to all jewelry and other everyday-worn items. I just feel it’s fair to mention it upfront.
If you’d like, I can send you videos comparing a brand-new ring with one that’s been worn regularly, including examples of rings worn during manual work, gardening, etc., and rings worn for years in an “office” environment.
I truly believe that with the right pattern choice and reasonable everyday use, this issue can be minimized or even avoided entirely.
Conclusion and contact
If you have any questions or are interested in placing an order, feel free to send me a message or give me a call! I’ll be happy to go over everything with you, explain the details, and help you choose –no stress, no pressure – just an easy chat. English is not a problem 🙂
In the “Contact” section, you’ll find several ways to reach me. I hope your visit to this website will be inspiring, that you’ll enjoy your time here, and maybe one day we’ll meet and work on a jewelry project together.
I also appreciate any support in the form of following my social media or sharing my posts. Thanks!
PM