Mokume Gane has a rich history and deep roots in Japan as a unique blacksmithing technique that has been around for centuries. It's a method of combining different colored metals together into one piece (called a billet) to create a one of a kind piece of art. When the technique was first developed it was used as decoration, on swords, as vessels, or as elements of other metal works. The science of it has been refined in recent decades and is more common in jewelry than ever.
The wood grain pattern is unique to each piece, no two are identical, though some methods can get close. The process of heating, forging and carving all contribute to the formation of the pattern. It's a very labor intensive and highly skilled technique that I specialize in at West Grove Design. I've been practicing the craft of mokume for over fifteen years and am very excited to be able to offer it to you in a timeless piece of jewelry.
One of the many unique things about mokume is the potential color combinations that are possible in a precious metal ring. There are a wide variety of colored gold alloys on the market today, and each has its own personality. The key to designing a ring like this is taking contrast into consideration. Often, silver is used between each layer of colored gold to give the finished product more contrast, making the pattern more visible. Yellow, red, white, and even green golds can be used in mokume, as well as platinum and palladium.
At West Grove Design, I have been creating pairs of rings at one time, from one billet. This means I fire, forge, carve and shape one billet to produce a pair of rings that line up when finished. As wedding bands, the pieces remain unique but connected. If this is something you're interested in, please get in touch! You can fill out the contact form here, or send me an email at jac@westgrovedesign.com
Soon, I'll have other forms of mokume pieces, like pendants and earrings, and one billet can create many more of these, so keep an eye out as they become available. Subscribe to my email list to be the first to know when new mokume gets listed!
Want to know more about the process? I'll be sharing more very soon.
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