Not so keen on a metal ring? You’re not alone. Some people don’t care for gold or silver or platinum. Others have pesky metal sensitivities that can cause icky rashes. Still others are looking for something exists outside the norms of typical commitment jewelry, but is still recognizable as such.
Woodworking artisan Gustav Reyes saw a niche and decided to fill it. After deciding that the initial monetary outlay required to create fine cabinetry and other furniture was just too high, he began to search for an alternative way to employ his skills. Rings, he noticed, were small enough to be crafted from found and salvaged wood and thus Simply Wood Rings was born.
Reyes’ rings are beautiful and they are inexpensive, but what appeals to me most is that they can be made from a variety of wood sources. In fact, he’ll make customized rings using almost any piece of 12″x1″x1″ piece of timber, and the technique he uses to shape the ring ensures its lasting structural integrity.
Wedding rings are the most common request but, Reyes caters to all sorts of ideas such as a mother who can’t part with her grown son’s baseball bat from his Little League days. Reyes even made a ring from ancient bog oak, a white oak tree that has been preserved in the bogs of Europe, carbon dated at 4,500 to 5,000 years old.
How cool is that?
Wow! These are gorgeous! Very affordable, too. I particularly liked the ones with a bit of silver added…but then I’m a total silver whore! LOL!
There’s nothing like the feel of a good piece of wood, though, and these are definitely going on my want list.
Very beautiful, and depending on the source this could be a wonderful wedding ring or anniversary gift idea. I wonder, how long do the rings last? Do they need to be refinished every once in a while?
Not only are they beautiful, they are also eco-friendly. A big reason these wooden rings are becoming popular is they are not produced through mining which can be ecologically damaging.
These are simply beautiful. I would have definitely considered them for wedding rings had I known.
Apparently, Lowy, they’ll last a goodly number of years if you wear them and don’t submerge them in water. Something about skin oils keeping them supple perhaps?
The ring made of ancient bog oak has got to be the coolest thing I’ve ever heard. But a wedding ring you can’t submerge in water? Way too impractical for me.
Hello Gustav,
I am trying to reach you regarding the status of my ring that I ordered on March 21, 2007. I still haven’t received it. Please contact me as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Hello all,
If anyone knows what happened to this artist or has any information regarding Simply Wood Rings’ current status as of June 2007, I would greatly appreciate it. My fiance and I ordered rings back in March, received a confirmation, and never received the rings. We’re getting married June 9 this year. We have not had our calls and emails returned. Is Gustav Reyes ok? Is he still in business?
Many Thanks!
Gustav made a ring for my husband, but the kauri veneer lifted in just three weeks. I sent it back to be repaired or replaced in February and haven’t heard from Gustav since.
The rings are beautiful – but where is Gustav???