Hey there, fellow fashion lover! If you‘re on the hunt for a unique and meaningful men‘s wedding band, look no further than Northern Royal. This small but mighty Michigan-based company is shaking up the jewelry game with their stunning, one-of-a-kind rings crafted from alternative materials like meteorite, dinosaur bone, whiskey barrel wood, and more.
As someone who‘s always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in men‘s style, I was immediately intrigued by Northern Royal‘s out-of-the-box designs and commitment to quality. I‘m excited to share my hands-on experience with their rings and give you an inside scoop on what sets this brand apart.
What is Northern Royal?
Launched in 2013, Northern Royal is the brainchild of a husband and wife duo who were frustrated with the lack of unique, high-quality options for men‘s wedding bands. They set out to create a line of rings that would celebrate the individual style and personality of each customer, using materials that are as unique as the men who wear them.
By working with skilled artisans to handcraft each ring and selling directly to consumers online, Northern Royal is able to offer a bespoke jewelry experience at a fraction of the price of traditional retail stores. Their goal is to make it easy and affordable for every man to find a wedding band that truly speaks to him.
Why choose an alternative metal ring?
So, what‘s the deal with alternative metals like tungsten, titanium, and carbon fiber? How do they stack up against traditional picks like gold and platinum? Here are a few key benefits:
Durability
If you or your partner are always on the go, you need a ring that can keep up. Metals like tungsten and titanium are incredibly strong and scratch-resistant, making them a smart choice for active lifestyles. Tungsten in particular is 4x harder than titanium and virtually scratchproof!
Comfort
Many alternative metals are lightweight and have a smooth, rounded inner surface for maximum comfort. This "comfort fit" design means you can wear your ring all day without it feeling heavy or constricting.
Style
Let‘s be real, traditional metal bands can be a bit boring. With alternative materials, you can choose from a wide range of colors, finishes, and inlay options to create a look that‘s totally your own. From sleek and modern black zirconium to rugged and earthy deer antler, there‘s a style for every taste.
Value
Because the raw materials are less expensive than precious metals, you can often get a thicker, more substantial ring for your budget with alternative metals. And with Northern Royal‘s direct to consumer model, you‘re not paying for any retail markups or middleman costs. It‘s a win-win!
Quality craftsmanship
One of the things I admire most about Northern Royal is their unwavering dedication to quality and attention to detail. Each ring goes through a rigorous 7 to 9 stage manufacturing process, including hand-selecting materials, cutting, shaping, polishing, and laser engraving. It can take up to 8 hours of skilled labor to create a single ring!
The level of care and precision that goes into each piece is evident when you hold a Northern Royal ring in your hand. The metals have a nice weight and smooth finish, and the inlays are flawlessly set. It‘s no wonder only 1 in 10 rings meets their strict quality control standards!
Here are a couple of my favorite Northern Royal designs and the special features that make them stand out:
The Barrel
Crafted from genuine Jack Daniels whiskey barrel wood and your choice of tungsten or black zirconium, this ring has a cool, rustic vibe. The wood grain pattern is one-of-a-kind and the inlay is protected by a durable clear coating. It‘s the perfect way to subtly incorporate a love of whiskey into your everyday look.
The Apollo
For a ring that‘s truly out of this world, check out the Apollo. It features an inlay of Muonionalusta meteorite, which fell to Earth in Sweden over one million years ago. The meteorite has a mesmerizing crystalline pattern that‘s unlike anything I‘ve ever seen. Paired with a polished titanium band, it‘s a conversation starter for sure!
Real customer reviews
You don‘t just have to take my word for it – Northern Royal has a stellar reputation among its customers. They have a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on their website based on over 2,000 reviews! Here are a few highlights:
"I bought this ring for my fiancé and he loves it! The damascus steel is so unique and the craftsmanship is top notch. We were both blown away by the quality, especially for the price." – Emily L.
"I‘ve been wearing my Northern Royal ring for over a year now and it still looks brand new. I love the simplicity of the titanium band and the special meaning behind the antler inlay. It‘s a great reminder of our wedding day and the commitment we made." – Jared M.
"The customer service at Northern Royal is amazing! I had to exchange my first ring for a different size and they made the process so easy. They really care about making sure you‘re completely satisfied with your purchase." – Michael T.
Northern Royal also has glowing reviews on sites like Amazon and Etsy, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Customers consistently praise the high quality materials, unique designs, and excellent value for money.
Pricing
So, how much will a Northern Royal ring set you back? Here‘s a quick price comparison:
| Ring style | Northern Royal | Jared | Kay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8mm tungsten with wood inlay | $149 | $299 | $349 |
| 6mm black zirconium with meteorite inlay | $229 | $549 | $649 |
| 5mm Damascus steel with 14k gold lining | $249 | $599 | $749 |
As you can see, Northern Royal‘s prices are significantly lower than what you‘d pay at a traditional jewelry store like Jared or Kay Jewelers. And that‘s for a higher quality, more unique product!
Plus, Northern Royal offers free shipping, free returns within 30 days, and a lifetime warranty on all of their rings. They‘ll even resize your ring for free within the first year. It‘s clear they stand behind their products and want you to be thrilled with your purchase.
Styling tips
Not sure how to choose the right ring to match your personal style? Here are a few ideas:
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For a classic, timeless look, go with a solid metal band in a traditional shape and finish. A domed tungsten ring in a brushed silver tone would be a great choice.
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If you want something a little more modern and edgy, try a black zirconium or titanium band with a carbon fiber inlay. The dark, textured look is perfect for guys who like a sleek, industrial vibe.
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For a ring with earthy, bohemian flair, check out Northern Royal‘s wood inlay options. The natural wood grain adds warmth and character to the metal band. Koa wood is an especially beautiful choice with its rich, reddish brown color.
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If you really want to make a statement, go for an eye-catching inlay material like meteorite, dinosaur bone, or abalone shell. These rings are sure to spark conversation and showcase your unique personality.
Of course, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding band. The most important thing is that it feels authentic to you and your relationship. Don‘t be afraid to think outside the box and choose a ring that really speaks to you!
Sizing & care
When it comes to finding the right fit for your Northern Royal ring, the company offers a handy free sizing kit on their website. They‘ll send you a plastic ring sizer and sizing guide so you can measure your finger accurately at home.
They also have a generous exchange policy – if your ring doesn‘t fit quite right, they‘ll send you a new size free of charge within 30 days of purchase. And if you ever need a resize down the line, they offer that service for a small fee.
In terms of care and maintenance, alternative metal rings are actually quite low-maintenance. Tungsten and titanium can simply be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm water. For wood and other inlays, Northern Royal recommends avoiding prolonged exposure to water and harsh chemicals.
Final thoughts
I‘ve been wearing my Northern Royal ring for several months now and I can honestly say it‘s become one of my favorite accessories. I get compliments on it all the time and I love the story behind the materials.
But beyond just the style factor, my Northern Royal ring is a treasured symbol of my lifelong commitment to my spouse. Every time I look at it, I‘m reminded of the love and partnership we‘ve built together. And I know it will last a lifetime thanks to Northern Royal‘s quality craftsmanship and warranty.
If you‘re in the market for a unique, meaningful men‘s wedding band, I highly recommend checking out Northern Royal. Their incredible designs, top-notch materials, and customer-first approach set them apart from the competition.
Still not sure? Here‘s a special offer just for my readers: use code ROYAL15 at checkout for 15% off your first purchase. Happy shopping!
