Damascus Steel Rings Info

Features and Highlights

Damascus Steel rings are made by hand, mimicking ancient blacksmithing techniques. Using two alternating types of stainless steel, AEB-L and 302, 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.

The slow, cyclical process of working the metal layers together is what gives Damascus Steel its incredibly unique properties. Damascus Steel rings have increased hardness, strength, resistance to shattering, an ability to be honed to a resilient edge and a unique finish. Like a fingerprint, no two Damascus rings will have the exact same design.

We offers eight distinctive patterns from which to choose. The standard Damascus is a basic twist pattern, while the other patterns are made from blanks normally used to make knives and swords. Click here to see examples of the available patterns.

This history behind Damascus Steel is one of the most compelling aspects of this metal. Damascus was a type of steel used in the Middle Eastern swordmaking. While the exact origins of the craft are unknown, the blacksmiths producing Damascus became famous for the quality of their superior weaponry. The name Damascus Steel stems from either the original Syrian blacksmiths originating the art, or the Damask pattern itself. The technology used to create Damascus Steel became so guarded over the centuries it was eventually lost. Modern scientific study has been able to identify many of the original techniques used, but not completely recreate it. Scientists have found nanowires, carbon nanotubes, exotic microalloying elements and characteristics of super plasticity in ancient Damascus swords. While modern production processes can produce metals with all of these characteristics, the presence of these high-tech elements from an ancient art is what made them so advanced for their time, revered, and eventually the source of legend.

Wear and Care

All Damascus rings are made with stainless steel. Stainless steels contain nickel and are not a good choice for those with nickel allergies. The processing of steel to make our 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 the scratches much better than a normal ring, making Damascus one of the best wearing metals we offer.

There are multiple finishes available for Damascus, each accenting the metal in a different way. Bead blast finish shows wear faster than others but offers a unique matte look. Acid finish lightens over time to resemble a dull polish. Polish gives the metal a high shine. Any of the finishes can be factory refurbished at any time to return them to a like-new state. Click here to see examples of the available finishes.

Damascus rings should avoid contact with salt water and harsh chemicals. Exposure to these strong oxidizing agents can make the ring more susceptible to rusting. Under normal conditions, Damascus steel rings wear very well and do not have problems with rusting.

Cleaning

Damascus Steel rings need no special care. As long as they don't contain meteorite, they can be cleaned with regular jewelry cleaner. If your ring does contain meteorite please refer to the meteorite cleaning instructions.

Customization and Personalization

Damascus Steel can be incorporated in and with contemporary metals, precious metals and combinations of the two. Damascus can be inlaid in the center of a ring or off-center and in the sleeve of a band.