What is Mokume Gane? Exclusive interview with Andrew Nyce
Mokume Gane rings by Andrew Nyce Designs are forged from precious metal alloys to create a unique, heirloom quality piece strong enough to last many lifetimes. To learn a little more about this technique, we asked Andrew a few questions.
Q: What is Mokume?
A: Mokume Gane (Mo-KOO-may GAH-nay) is an old metalworking technique that originated in Japan in the 1700s. The words translate to “wood eye metal,” which accurately describes the topographical patterns that appear when alternating layers of different colored precious metal alloys are forged, twisted and patterned . The look is similar to the swirling, watery patterns of Damascus steel or ancient Chinese lacquer work. Though the technique was initially developed for use in sword making, jewelry and hollowware are the most common modern commercial applications of this method.
Q: What metals can be used in the Mokume process?
A: In the 1700’s, the Japanese used copper alloys. In the U.S. today, Mokume Gane is usually made using precious metals such as 14K and 18K Gold, Platinum alloys, Palladium alloys, and Sterling silver, and in some cases Iron and stainless steel can be combined with precious metals.
Q: How long does it take to make a Mokume band? What are the basic steps?
A: Starting with bonding the alternating metal alloy layers, It can take anywhere from 5 to 10 hours depending upon the size , width and design of the ring. There are ~ 25 to 30 individual steps in making a ring.
Q: Can two Mokume rings look alike?
A: No
Q: What is the average price point of a Mokume band?
A: Prices vary according to the alloying elements and the size and width of the band. A 6MM wide precious metal Mokume Gane wedding band can be priced between $1500 to $5,000, depending upon the Mokume Gane compositions used and whether Gold or Platinum liners and channels are part of the design.
Neil Lane Rocks the Emmys Red Carpet
Neil Lane was a celebrity favorite at the Emmys. Check out who was wearing him and how. You can wish for the real thing or emulate the look. Remember Neil Lane is a great option for your engagement ring too!
Gwyneth Paltrow is in a Neil Lane Glamour look. She is wearing a diamond and platinum wide bracelet (50 carats), black diamond link bracelet set with hundreds of black diamonds in darkened gold (50 carats),diamond, black onyx and platinum cocktail ring (5 carats), large emerald cut black diamond and platinum drop earrings (7 carats). (TOTAL LOOK= $550,000 (total carats= 112))
Julie Bowen dazzles in a Vintage Vibe Jeweled look with a contemporary sparkle of faceted black diamonds. She is wearing pear shape, black and white large diamond and platinum earrings, diamond, onyx and platinum bracelet, black and white diamond and platinum rings. (TOTAL LOOK= $165,000)
Nina Dobrev is wearing a 19th century Vintage Vibe choker in darkened gold with hundreds of diamonds (50 carats).
Very elegant and simple diamond and platinum stud earrings. (TOTAL LOOK= $250,000)
Jayma Mays is wearing a Diamond and platinum bow brooch in her hair with 10 carats of diamonds, simple floral diamond and platinum cluster earrings, 10 carats and a blush colored diamond and platinum ring, 5 carats $25,000.
Colbie Smulders is wearing a Diamond and platinum look with diamond and platinum icicle earrings, diamond, aquamarine and platinum cocktail ring, 50 carat aqua $25,000 and a diamond and platinum straight line bracelet, $35,000.
Michelle Forbes is wearing a grey and white diamond and platinum pear drop earrings, black diamond and platinum cuff bracelet and ring.
Images via: Usmagazine, Celebuzz and ontheredcarpet.com
Britney Spears rocks “faux” engagement ring
Rumors were flying this weekend as musical icon Britney Spears was seen publicly flaunting a huge diamond ring— left hand style too.
However despite the diamond spotting in London, Spears denies being newly engaged to boyfriend Jason Trawick. Rumors took off running when Trawick was spotted at a high-end jewelry store just days before.
Apparently it’s just a coincidence? Then again, this isn’t the first false alarm given off by these two celeb lovebirds. Remember in 2009 when Ms. Spears was seen showing off another huge diamond ring on her left hand?
Yeah…that happened. Way to play with our engagement-loving emotions, guys.
Regardless, it’s still a FABULOUS canary diamond. We approve of your taste, Britney.
Photos Via The Hollywood Gossip
If you like the look check out this Fusaro ring!
Would you rock a diamond ring on your left hand just for style?
Neil Diamond is Engaged!
Image via Access Hollywood
Love is in the air in California (isn’t it always?). Neil Diamond is engaged!
Yup, that’s right. The 70-year-old singer announced his engagement to Katie McNeil via Twitter on September 7.
And although the Twitterverse isn’t quite the same as shouting your love from the mountaintops, you have to admit. His tweets are pretty sweet.
“Good news coming from sunny LA/ and you’re the first I want to tell/ Katie & I just got engaged/ and I hope you wish us well. Neil”
He followed it up with another tweet and a picture of his bride-to-be claiming how “love-struck” he is.
His sweetheart, Katie, produced a documentary about him in 2009. They are quite the adorable pair even despite their age difference (roughly 30 years worth of difference). It just goes to show you, it doesn’t matter how old you are—you are never too old to sport the sparkly (ring, that is).
Congrats Neil and Katie on your upcoming nuptials!
What do you think? Are you ever too old to get engaged?
Nikki
New Engagement101 TV Episode: 7 New Wedding Band Trends
Check out the 7 new wedding band trends in our new webisode.
1. Gold wedding bands
2. Multi-textured wedding bands
3. Platinum wedding bands
4. Hammered wedding bands
5. Hidden secrets wedding bands
6. His and her’s wedding bands
7. Contemporary metal wedding bands
Risking your life for a “Yes!”
In the old days of romance, men would risk life and limb to prove their worth to the lady of their dreams. If he could slay a dragon, save her kingdom, or go on a life-threatening quest, then he was worthy of her hand in marriage.
Some may say romance and chivalry are a dead art form, but it’s refreshing to see a man actually do something daring for a change when it comes to asking the most important question of a lifetime.
Yes, I know we don’t live in a fairy tale. And sure, I’ll even admit there’s a shortage on dragons these days. But taking a risk and making yourself vulnerable really does make for a heart-stopping proposal.
Need an example? I found this video on YouTube the other day and it blew me away. How can you not say “Yes!” to a man willing to throw himself off a building for you?
Guys: Would you throw yourself off a roof for your woman?
Girls: Would you find this romantic or be angry for him nearly sending you into cardiac arrest?
Nikki
Bella’s Engagement Ring
Breaking Dawn Part I, the new episode of the twilight saga will not hit the theaters until November 18. But thanks to the Official Twilight Twitter, here is a sneak peek of the engagement ring from Edward Cullen. The ring is very old fashioned. No surprise coming from a vampire…
Girl “Stumbles Upon” her proposal
Most girls yell at their guys to get off the computer and do something romantic for a change (I know I have). But in this day and age, geeky guys are taking romance to their home turf—Online.
In fact, it’s “all the rage.” Cyber proposals are hardly new anymore. We’ve all heard of the Twitter proposal and the Groupon guy. Techie men have even used Foursquare and Google Maps to make scavenger hunts.
Been there. Done that. You can’t really “tweet” your sweety anymore and expect her to rave about your creativity. If it’s online—it’s HAS to be new and exciting.
Well a new cyber frontier has been blazed. One lucky girl STUMBLED UPON her proposal.
Marquita Arguello’s boyfriend actually emailed StumbleUpon’s Support Team pitching his idea back in August. He knew it was a long shot, but this time the long shot actually worked.
StumbleUpon agreed to rig Marquita’s account to lead her to a proposal website created by her boyfriend, Tim Hartman.
Of course the Internet is hardly perfect so technical difficulties arose postponing the proposal for half an hour. But like all good things, it was worth the wait. Check out the video!
What are your thoughts on online proposals: Super Cute or Super Dorky?
Nikki
New Tiffany Suite at the St Regis, New York
If you just love everything Tiffany and are very rich, you should check in the new Tiffany suite at the St Regis in New York. The Tiffany Suite is 1,700 square feet and $8,500 a night. Upon entering the suite, you will instantly recognize jewel inspired references throughout. The foyer features a Tiffany-blue glass beaded and silver leafed handmade wall covering, which enhances the stunning architecture of the entryway. The entry console’s design is a subtle reference to one of Tiffany’s most iconic pieces, the engagement ring. Accent pieces include an intricate jewel-shaped mirror hangs on the wall and a silver leafed table. Check out the pictures!
Get Mrs Humphries’ Wedding Band
Just like everything Kim Kardashian does, this week proved “over the top” for the blushing bride. Kim’s wedding to Kris Humphries was held in an elegant spot in Montecito complete with a lavish black and white themed reception, 3 Vera Wang dress changes, millions of dollars worth of Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and, of course, a full camera crew recording the entire event.
To compliment her huge Lorraine Schwartz platinum and diamond engagement ring, Kim chose to a huge platinum and diamond eternity band, also by Lorraine Schwartz, that sparkles with approximately 12 carats of diamonds. The estimated value? Approximately, $60,000.00. Merely a fraction of the over the top budget for a wedding of that caliber.
How you can get Kim’s look on your budget? This beautiful eternity band style by “Since 1910”:
Michael O’Connor
