“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 the commonly used methods of carving or bending wood. Both methods produced nice looking rings, but the rings were weak and the design possibilities were limited. Around the same time, whilst on a hike, I came across a living tree with twisting trunk. It was unusual and beautiful and I just had to find out why some trees grow that way. The answer is that the helical pattern, the corkscrew spiraling trunk, makes the tree much stronger and resistant to the elements.

It took me about three years of trial and error to craft a wooden ring with a spiraling grain pattern. I designed and produced my own machinery as no one else was attempting to do what I wanted to do. Today, Spiral Grain rings are what I am known for. They are unique to Grown Rings and produce a stronger more durable ring, whilst also making the grain of the wood a dominant feature. Spiral Grain methodology also enables me to combine multiple species of wood within a ring, the grains entwined. 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

Unlike just about every other major wooden ring manufacturer, each and every Grown Ring is made by a single craftsman. I craft every ring from scratch myself, so you know that your ring is made with attention and care by a master wood craftsman who you communicate with directly. 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 even have an inventory! Every ring I make is an original, unique for you and to your specifications. In the same way you might commission an artist to paint your portrait, my skills, time and technique are for hire to craft your ideal 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! For most people customization might mean adding an inscription (a personal message), or switching out a precious metal to match an engagement ring, perhaps adding a birth stone, or even including a personally sourced item such as sand or ashes. I love tweaking one of my designs 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.