Consider two people, drawn together by an undeniable attraction. Yesterday they were strangers; today they are on a unique journey – a journey that will determine who they become together. As two worlds collide, love can happen in an instant. But, the foundation for a lifelong relationship takes much longer to solidify.
The lovers’ journey – from initial meeting to marriage and beyond – is an apt metaphor for the authentic Gibeon meteorite used in our rings. This rare type of meteorite is composed of metals which were formed in a super-heated state and cooled over the course of 4 billion years. This slow cooling, or solidification, settled the molecules in a crystalline structure, similar to what you’d see in a diamond or gemstone. Not only does this rare phenomenon not occur naturally on Earth, but it’s also what gives the metal its distinctive, patterned look and priceless meaning.
Wear a meteorite ring and forever remember that what you and your loved one become over time is so much more than the attraction that initially brought you together.
Gibeon meteorite was formed in space four billion years ago. It exploded upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, landing in the desert of Namibia, Africa in scattered pieces over an area 171 miles long and 62 miles wide.
The Namibian government banned the export of Gibeon meteorite, as any newly discovered pieces are automatically protected as national monuments. This means that any meteorite specimens in circulation are of increasing value and incredibly limited supply. As is true in general for Lashbrook, we source our materials as ethically as possible and our meteorite comes from that increasingly limited supply.
The origin and rarity of each meteorite ring makes it a distinctive piece of art.
Gibeon meteorite features a distinct crystalline structure on its surface, a pattern found only in diamonds and gemstones. This visible crystal structure, or Widmanstätten pattern, was caused by extremely slow cooling of the material in space.
The Widmanstätten pattern will vary slightly between pieces, as will the presence of inclusions. Inclusions are dark spots or tiny holes on the surface of the meteorite that are often traces of metals that, in some cases, do not occur naturally on earth. These inclusions are an important clue to the meteorite’s origin and are identifiers of its authenticity.
The acid etching of the meteorite is the last step in the production of the ring. It is here where natural characteristics show themselves.
COBALT CHROME
It is rare to find something that lasts forever. We all want to be that couple that makes it to their 50th wedding anniversary. It takes a relationship built upon a permanent foundation, one of endurance, to make it that far.
The wedding ring, the eternal round, and the material used in it, is a perfect symbol of these characteristics. Cobalt chrome is exceptional in that it looks and feels like a precious metal, but has the durability of aerospace grade alloys.
Hard, durable and never to wear thin, cobalt chrome represents a love that will last forever.
Cobalt chrome is often used specifically for its strength in applications with high temperatures, such as jet engine turbines. It is also a hypoallergenic metal, and often used in orthopedic applications and cardiovascular stents.
Cobalt chrome is a bright white metal with a brilliant luster. This metal’s weight is similar to precious metals, but many times harder and more durable.
Cobalt chrome rings have gained incredible popularity over a short period of time, largely due to weight and color. The metal has the heft of gold and the look of rhodium plating or platinum, while being many times harder and more durable than both.
Cobalt chrome rings can be worn in all kinds of environments and conditions.
Cleaning: Cobalt chrome rings need no special care. These rings can be cleaned with regular jewelry cleaner, steam, or ultrasonic