Wedding Rings with Engraved Pattern
The technique of carving patterns or letters onto the surface of a ring is known as engraving.
Also called "carving," notable examples include the Japanese traditional "Wabori" and the Western-style "Incisione" originating from Florence, Italy. The image shows the process of performing Western-style engraving.
The Fusion of Engraved Pattern and Forging
Within ith's forged ring collection, there are two wedding rings that utilize engraving techniques. One features the motif of the laurel tree and the other has a sparkling pattern covering its surface.
These strong rings, made by hammering metal to compact it, are home to the delicate and glamorous craftsmanship.
Foglia
The wedding ring, inspired by the laurel tree motif, carries the meaning of the "family tree". Just as the leaves grow abundantly under the sun, it embodies the wish for the two of you to flourish freely as one family in the years to come.
The carved pattern, utilizing the Japanese "Wabori" technique which resembles brush strokes with varying thickness, is highlighted by adding a matte texture known as a hairline finish to the surface, making the lines stand out. This luxurious creation combines machine technology for forging and cutting the ring's base with the artisanal skill of hand-carving each pattern individually.
The engraved pattern, once applied to the ring's surface, cannot be redone, adding a sense of tension to the work. Unlike machine-engraved lines, each stroke and pattern is infused with the artisan's sentiments, offering a design that exudes the warmth and feel of handcrafting.
The addition of milgrain decoration along the edges of the ring brings a crisp, uniform series of beads that enhance the ring's definition.
Reticolo
The "Reticolo" wedding ring, named after the Italian word for "grid," uses the technique of western engraving.
Upon closer inspection, the ring's surface sparkles with a regularly arranged lattice pattern. Carving this pattern requires patience, repeatedly applying hand pressure to engrave the ring's surface using a tool designed for Western engraving, featuring a fine grooved tip.
The "Reticolo" ring undergoes a process where after applying Western-style engraving across its entire width, a machining technique is used to remove a layer from both sides. The presence of a polished finish on the sides creates contrast, resulting in an elegant and clean-looking wedding ring.
A well-maintained machine enables the creation of straight and precise cuts down to 0.1mm, a task impossible to achieve by hand alone.
Reticolo is a collection crafted by alternating between machine processing and handiwork at different stages of production.
Mastering the Techniques of Forging, Cutting, and Engraving
The techniques used in the forging collection require daily practice to master.
Forging involves shaping metal into a ring while conversing with the material, cutting requires understanding the quirks of the lathe machine and selecting the right cutting edge, and engraving begins with creating the tool itself to achieve a beautiful line on the ring. Each skill is not something that can be learned overnight but requires consistent effort over time.
The forged collection, filled with the artisan's skill, is lovingly crafted by human hands, making it fitting for the special item that a wedding ring is.
Ayu Takahashi, Concierge