“The wood cells in trees growing in a windy area or on an unusually uneven substrate (…) can begin to grow in a spiral pattern to give the tree and branches more strength. A spiral pattern can also develop to strengthen tree trunks tasked with supporting an unusually heavy or uneven canopy. Spiral grain is more able to twist, rock and roll with the wind than straight-grained branches so that a branch is less likely to break.”
[Kim Brown / Washington Trails Association]
Why we are different
You have multiple options when it comes to purchasing a wood ring online, so why choose Grown Rings? Read on to find out why we are different from all the other wooden band stores.
1. Spiral Grain
When I first started making wooden rings, I trialled commonly used methods of Carving or Bending wood. Both methods produced nice looking rings, but the rings were weak. Around that time I came across an image of a living tree with twisting wood grain. It was unusual and beautiful and I just had to find out why some trees grow that way and some grow straight up. The answer is that the helical pattern, the corkscrew spiraling grain, make it much stronger. It took me about 3 years of trial and error to craft a wooden ring with spiraling grain pattern, designing and producing my own machinery as no one else was attempting to do what I wanted to do. Today, Spiral Grain designs are what I am known for. They are unique to Grown Rings and produce a stronger more durable ring and also make the grain of the wood a dominant feature. This methodology also enables me to combine multiple species of wood within a ring, the grains entwined. These designs are also unique to Grown Rings. And of course, every piece of wood we use (or precious metals or stones) is responsibly sourced, with a strong focus on sustainability.
2. Know Your Maker
“From my hands to yours. It’s my art. There’s a little bit of me, my passion, in every ring I make.” [Tyler]
Unlike just about every other major wooden ring manufacturer, each and every Grown Ring is made by a single maker. I craft every ring myself, so you know that your ring is made with attention and care by a master wood craftsman. No element of your ring is made in a factory in another country. It does not start life as a mass-produced blank. We don’t have an inventory and every ring I make is an original, unique for you. In the same way you might hire an artist to paint your portrait, my skills are for hire to craft you a ring.
3. 100% Handmade = 100% Customizable
“If you can’t find your perfect ring, maybe it just doesn’t exist yet. I can help with that” [Tyler]
For all of the reasons above, all of my rings are customizable. I make every ring to order, and so the possibilities are almost limitless. If you’ve got a crazy idea for a design, I’d love to hear it! However, for most people customization might mean adding an inscription, or switching out a precious metal to match an engagement ring, or adding a birth stone, or including a personally sourced item such as sand or ashes. I love tweaking a design to make it truly special for the recipient, adding something that speaks to their story. It’s one of my favorite parts of my job. Customization starts with a conversation, so send me a message with your ideas.