When you visit jewelry stores, you’ll find that most retailers offer a diverse selection of wedding rings. They come with or without gemstones, in different setting styles, materials, and metals. While the conventional choice would be a ring in silver, gold, or platinum, there are unique pieces in the market that are literally out of this world. If you’re looking to wear something on your finger that is truly extraordinary, there is no better choice than investing in meteorite wedding bands.
Meteorite Wedding Bands
Meteorite rings are becoming a popular choice for couples who prefer to wear unique and fashionable wedding bands. This phenomenon isn’t surprising, considering that there are currently no other rings like them. In this guide, we’ll define what is a meteorite wedding band—its properties, composition, and different types. We’ll also discuss how you can identify if it’s real or not and provide care and cleaning tips for your meteorite jewelry. By the end of this reading, you’ll understand what the craze around this highly-coveted item is all about.
What is a Meteorite Ring Made Of?
As the name implies, this ring is made of meteorites—pieces of debris from outer space that fall to the earth. These elements were formed eons ago and cool down from their heated state very slowly over millions of years. As this is happening, nickel-iron crystals are growing on its surface. This natural crystalline pattern, known as Widmanstätten, gives meteorites its distinct look and feel. Nothing formed on the earth is quite like it.
However, not every type of meteorite that falls on the earth is suitable for making jewelry. The best kinds are the Gibeon meteorites, which are believed to have entered our atmosphere 30,000 years ago at a speed of 17 miles per second. Scientists conclude that the meteorite exploded high up in the sky, and pieces of it scattered upon what is now known as Namibia. Fragments of it were spread across an elliptical area that is approximately 171 miles long 62 miles wide. The epicenter of the covered area is the village of Gibeon in Namibia’s Hardap region.
The Gibeon meteorite is mostly iron-based and belongs to the IVA chemical group. Its fragments are composed of an iron-nickel alloy with large amounts of cobalt and phosphorus.
History of Meteorite Jewelry
Ancient civilizations used meteorites in creating decorative items—including jewelry—as far back as five thousand years ago. A proof of this is a bead made from an iron meteorite found in an Egyptian burial site. Scientists dated its crafting to some time between 3350 and 3600 BC. A meteorite dagger was also found in Tutankhamen’s tomb. These societies valued meteorite jewelry not only for its aesthetic value but also for its perceived healing properties. Iron meteorites were believed to promote balance and strength, while nickel was thought to purify the wearer’s blood. Since it’s rich in iron and other metals, meteorites are magnetic. This reaction—coupled with its celestial origins—inspired beliefs that this element held magical powers.
Types of Meteorites
Here are the three main types of meteorites, each of which differs in composition, structure, and appearance.
Stony
This type contains large amounts of silica and makes up the majority of meteorites that enter the earth.
Iron
As the name suggests, this meteorite is rich in iron. However, they also contain other metals such as nickel and cobalt. Only about 6% of all recovered meteorites are iron meteorites.
Stony-Iron
This is the combination of the two other types. It contains pockets of olivine and pyroxene surrounded by an iron matrix. This composition results in a stone with a gorgeous pattern that is highly-valuable.
Meteorite Rings
What makes meteorite rings so special is that every piece is unique. The crystalline patterns on each ring are at least slightly different, which means that what you’re wearing is unlike no other. Crafting a meteorite into a ring is a complicated process that requires precision and skill. Artisans transform the natural meteorite into a “plate,” which gives the meteorite ring a metal-like appearance. When the protective coating meant to protect the band from rusting is applied, the outer surface of the piece will have a stunning silver-like appearance.
The overall appearance of a meteorite ring depends on varying factors. The color of the metal alone depends on the distance traveled, the impact of the meteorite’s landing on the earth, and the amount of iron to other metals in its composition. A meteorite can be black, gray, and even white. It will also have distinct markings called inclusions that are responsible for its exceptional appearance and natural beauty.
Meteorite Bands in the Market
There are rings entirely made of meteorite, but inlay meteorite rings are more readily available in most jewelry stores. You’ll often see meteorite paired with gold, platinum, or titanium, which results in a durable wedding ring with great contrast. While meteorite rings are popular choices for wedding rings, they can also be used as engagement rings. Some designs feature a center stone like the diamond, while the meteorite stone ring has a beautifully carved meteorite as its central attraction.
If you want a band that lights up in the dark, you can get a glowing meteorite ring from various online retailers. These rings glow for several hours after exposure to sunlight and are a guaranteed scene-stealer in darker environments. If you want to carry a piece of the moon with you, a lunar meteorite ring would be a perfect choice. These bands are made of meteorites that are known to have originated from the moon.
Where to Buy Meteorite Wedding Bands
Over the centuries, meteorites have fascinated scientists, philosophers, physicists, and artists. These elements have allowed us a glimpse into intriguing concepts like the notion of space-time. Many believe that meteorites are proof of eternity, making it the perfect material to represent everlasting love, such as wedding bands. Here are a few designers where you can source authentic meteorite wedding bands.
Space Gems
Anyone wearing Space Gems’ rings will feel like a star in every way because of their designs that create translucent effects. Check out these elegant Flat-topped Gibeon Meteorite Wedding Rings with a Sterling Silver Lining and Rails with a Widmanstatten finish. The current price is available upon inquiry.
Jewelry by Johan
Aside from creating mesmerizing meteorite accesories, this jewelry designer also offers a Lifetime Meteorite Ring protection. You may send them your ring for free cleaning and re-etching any time, so you can wear your meteorite ring without any worries. See this Black Stardust Men’s Wedding Bands in Rose Gold. The current price is $1,059.
Jacob Albee
This famous ethical jeweler uses 100% recycled precious metals, such as gold, sterling silver, and platinum. Blended into these elements are ethically sourced gemstones, rubber, and Gibeon meteorites. You may view their gorgeous meteorite ring collection here.
D & H Jewelers
This San Francisco-based jeweler uses upcycled gemstones, reclaimed materials, and outer space debris like the Gibeon meteorite. D & H Jewelers has a wide selection of elegant wedding rings, including this Bevel Edge Gold Meteorite Band. The current price is $2,500.
Do Meteorite Wedding Bands Rust?
Since the meteorite used in making wedding rings contains high concentrations of iron, it has the potential to rust. While this doesn’t occur right away, most meteorite rings will corrode over time. To prevent this, you’ll have to take extra care of your ring to ensure that it maintains its natural luster. We’ll talk more about care instructions for your meteorite bands later in this article.
Is it Safe to Wear Meteorite?
Before buying any type of jewelry, it’s important to know if you’re allergic or sensitive to metals, especially nickel. As mentioned above, meteorites have a far higher concentration of nickel than earthly metals. So if you don’t have a nickel allergy, it’s perfectly safe to wear meteorite jewelry.
How to Tell If Your Meteorite Ring is Real
Because meteorite rings are valuable and rare, many shady dealers try to trick consumers into believing they’re selling the real deal, even if they aren’t. Here are a few ways to verify if your meteorite ring is authentic.
Real meteorite is magnetic
This is one quick way to identify if you’re meteorite jewelry is real. Since about 99% of meteorite is magnetic, there should be some attraction when exposed to a magnet.
Real meteorite can corrode
Meteorite is mainly iron-based, which means that your meteorite ring has the potential to rust. If you’re lucky, this might not happen at all. Generally, however, authentic meteorite jewelry tends to rust over time.
Ask for a Certificate of Authenticity
Reputable sellers will provide you with a certificate of authenticity once you purchase a meteorite ring. This document will state the source of the meteorite, and having this will give you the peace of mind that what you have is the real deal.
How to Care for Your Meteorite Ring
Meteorite rings are incredibly durable and can stand the wear and tear of daily use. However, just like any other type of jewelry, owners must take extra care of their precious pieces. Preventative care can go a long way in ensuring that you’ll enjoy your meteorite bands for a long time. Here are some ways you can do that.
Remove your ring before doing heavy work
Automotive work, yard work, and construction work are just some examples of activities that can endanger your jewelry. These types of work may involve coming into contact with corrosive and abrasive materials, so make sure to remove your rings before engaging in them. Avoid exposing your jewelry to dangerous environments as much as possible.
Pay attention to your hands
This might seem hard to do most of the time, but ring wearers should be careful not to hit their rings against hard surfaces. The force can result in scratches and dents in your jewelry.
Avoid exposing your rings to harsh liquids
Bleach, chlorides, household cleaners, acids, and anything high up on the pH scale should never come in contact with your meteorite ring. You should also avoid wearing your bands in saltwater, chlorinated pools, and hot tubs. Chlorine bleach can weaken your ring’s structural integrity and make your jewelry brittle. The bleach literally leaches the alloys out of your ring. If it can’t be avoided, a simple preventative measure you can take is applying a little bit of oil on the surface of your ring to actively prevent it from rusting.
How to Clean a Meteorite Ring
You can bring back the natural luster of your meteorite ring using any commercially available jewelry cleaner or cloth. But the best way to keep your meteorite bands looking beautiful is to wear them as much as possible. The natural oils in your hands serve as a protectant that prevents your rings from rusting. If discoloration occurs, you may use CLR—a commercial cleaner found in home improvement stores—to clean it.
Unfortunately, your band’s natural pattern will inevitably fade with time no matter how much you take care of it. But the good news is that bringing back its natural beauty is relatively easy. Just take it back to the retailer where you bought your piece from and have them etch and re-polish the ring. Many jewelers would offer this service for free if you got the meteorite ring from them.
Are meteorite wedding bands for you?
Meteorite wedding bands have successfully made its way into the jewelry realm, and more consumers are beginning to appreciate its one-of-a-kind beauty. We hope this guide helped you understand what makes meteorite rings special and if it’s the right wedding band for you. Once you’ve decided to go for a meteorite ring, remember to ask your retailer for a certificate of authenticity proving that your piece is real. Also, make sure to follow the care and cleaning tips outlined above so that you can keep your meteorite jewelry in tip-top condition for a very long time.
If you want to explore the origins of gold jewelry and learn about its fascinating history, you should check this article we wrote titled, Exploring The Past: Where Did Gold Jewelry Originate?