Finding the perfect wedding ring can sometimes feel like searching for a pebble in a lake full of pebbles. There’s no shortage of rings, but you’re searching for ones that ‘speak’ to you. You want your rings to be unique. You’re looking for rings worthy of becoming yours and your partner’s symbol of love, marriage, and commitment. And if you’re not careful, your search may merely gloss over the world of wooden rings.
While they are often overlooked, a set of wooden rings may be precisely what you and your betrothed are looking for. Read on for a brief breakdown of wooden ring composition, followed by six reasons you may consider them for your wedding.
Wooden Rings: What You’ll Find
Like traditional metal rings, wooden rings come in several styles and variations—you can find some good examples at etrnlrings.com and other online shops. These are available in three main categories:
- Bentwood. These are made from thin strips of wood veneers, formed around a mold and impregnated with resin to harden and for a glossy finish. Sometimes different woods are layered for a more visual effect along the edges.
- Carved. These rings are carved out of a solid block of wood. You’ll notice that these usually look indistinguishable from bentwood rings.
- Combination. Not all wooden rings are 100% wood. Combination rings are made with wood and another material like metal or carbon fiber. They may have a wooden ‘inner layer’ and a metal ‘outer layer’ or vice versa. You may also see metal rings with wooden inlays or wooden rings with metal inlays.
Remember that what you see above isn’t an officially recognized distinction—it’s only there to give you more insight. Wooden rings are often handcrafted by artisans, each with their own process and style. Distinctive inlays (or overlays) and materials are often seen with wooden rings, unlike the more traditional ‘precious stone approach’ of typical metal rings. Examples include mother of pearl, opal, and meteorite inlays.
Things That Make Wooden Rings Great
- Wooden Rings Are Unique And Look Good
The first and most apparent reason you may consider a wooden wedding band is its classy and attractive look. If you like the visual appeal of wood, it’s probably safe to assume you’ll enjoy wearing a wooden ring.
Additionally, although they’re somewhat in style right now, they’re still far less common than regular metallic wedding bands. Even if the wooden ring fashion trend dies down, it won’t change the fact that your wooden ring looks good. Besides, you’ll likely have more people notice your attractive wooden piece over a regular metallic ring.
- Most Designs Are Comfortable To Wear
Maybe you’re concerned about getting wood splinters or potential friction burns. You don’t need to worry about that if you have a good-quality ring.
As mentioned, the wood is usually impregnated with resin to increase its hardiness. The ring is then sanded and polished to have smooth, rounded edges. The finished product is a comfortable, well-fitting ring that’s highly unlikely to splinter from daily wear.
- Metallic Allergies? No Problem
Metal skin allergies are estimated to affect up to 15% of the global population. If you’re worried you can’t wear a wedding band due to metal allergies, there’s no reason to be. Wooden bands are hypoallergenic and less likely to cause irritation when compared to metal bands.
- Easily Maintained And Pretty Durable
Your ring would naturally accumulate some unavoidable visible wear over time. However, minor scratches and marks are nowhere near as damaging to the appearance of a wooden ring as to a metallic ring. They even look like they’re part of the ring and contribute to its overall attractiveness.
Looks aside, resin-impregnated wood is relatively strong. A 100% bentwood or carved wood ring is unlikely to break from daily tasks—you’d have to apply a decent amount of pressure to risk breakage. Rings made by overlaying wood onto something like tungsten carbide, a popular choice, are considerably durable and will last for years.
- You Don’t Have To Break The Bank
Budgeting for engagement rings or wedding bands can be a bit finicky, particularly if you’re on a budget. Like putting a cherry on top of the cake icing, you may be surprised to learn that you can have wooden rings for a surprisingly affordable price.
In general, wooden rings are inexpensive and easily obtained. A good-quality band doesn’t have to be made with expensive materials to look great. Of course, wooden rings incorporating higher-cost materials like precious metals or stones are still available if that’s what you want.
- They Make A Good ‘Placeholder’ Ring
Perhaps you still want to get a traditional wedding band. Nobody would blame you; they’re popular for a reason. Wooden bands can act as an attractive ‘placeholder’ wedding band in two situations.
First, a wooden ring can be worn in place of your ‘more expensive’ ring in situations where that ring may be damaged, like if you work in an environment where that is possible. Their relatively low cost also makes them low risk, so you’re not losing too much if it’s a placeholder and gets damaged.
Second, you may decide to get a wooden ring if you’re getting married and are restricted by a budget. The wooden ring would act as a unique and good-looking wedding band until you and your partner are ready for a precious metal investment.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a unique engagement or wedding ring, a wooden ring is sure to stand out among your choices. They’re currently in style, so they’re readily available. These bands are also durable enough to withstand most daily activity and will last for years with minimal maintenance than a regular metallic ring. With their affordable price point and other qualities in mind, there’s no reason not to consider using a wooden ring as your wedding band.
