Inlay Materials - What Do I Use?
Our Inlay Materials
At Solis Forge, I believe a ring is more than just a band of items randomly put together; it is a canvas for some of the most captivating materials our universe has to offer. The inlay you choose tells a story, transforming a beautifully crafted band into a deeply personal statement piece.
From the depths of the earth to the far reaches of space, I source materials that offer unparalleled beauty and character. Explore the distinctive inlay options available for your custom Solis Forge ring below.
Please reach out through the Contact Us page to enquire about other materials or making cremation and memorial rings.
Lab-Grown Opal
If you are looking for a ring that captures the essence of a galaxy or a vibrant nebula, our lab-grown opal is the perfect choice. While natural opals are undeniably beautiful, they are often too soft and fragile for the daily rigours of being worn on the hand. The lab-grown opals I use share the same physical and chemical properties as their natural counterparts but are cultivated in a controlled environment. This process creates a stone with a mesmerising, brilliant play-of-colour that is significantly more durable and resistant to chipping, ensuring your ring maintains its magic for a lifetime.
Muonionalusta Meteorite
Wear a piece of the cosmos. The Muonionalusta meteorite impacted northern Scandinavia over a million years ago, surviving four ice ages before being discovered. When polished and etched, this ancient iron-nickel meteorite reveals the breathtaking Widmanstätten pattern—a geometric, crystallised structure that can only form as the meteorite's core cools over millions of years in the vacuum of space. Because this pattern cannot be replicated on Earth, every single Muonionalusta inlay is entirely unique. My rings will contain shavings of this meteorite, often of various coarseness (fine or rough), depending on the design.
Natural Malachite
Bold, earthy, and undeniably striking, natural malachite is an opaque, semi-precious stone famous for its rich, verdant green colours. What truly sets malachite apart is its mesmerising, naturally occurring banding. Ranging from deep forest greens to vibrant emerald hues, these swirling, concentric patterns give the stone a dynamic, almost fluid appearance. Historically revered by ancient civilisations as a stone of transformation and protection, a malachite inlay adds a vibrant pop of colour and a touch of ancient elegance to any forge design.
Natural Lapis Lazuli
Lapis lazuli is a stone of royalty and antiquity. Prized since the days of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, this striking material is defined by its deep, celestial blue colour. What makes lapis truly captivating are the natural, shimmering flecks of golden pyrite and sweeping white calcite veins scattered throughout the stone, resembling a brilliant starry night sky. An inlay of natural lapis lazuli offers a classic, sophisticated aesthetic with a rich historical legacy.
Natural Turquoise
Few stones are as instantly recognisable or universally loved as natural turquoise. This vibrant, blue-green mineral has been used in artisanal jewellery for millennia. The true character of our natural turquoise inlays lies in the "matrix"—the dark, intricate web-like veins of the host rock that run through the stone. These distinct patterns ensure that no two turquoise inlays are ever the same, providing a rugged, natural beauty that contrasts perfectly with the sleek, polished metals of our Solis Forge rings.
Crafting Your Vision Whether you are drawn to the stellar history of meteorites or the vibrant colours of natural stones, my materials are meticulously set and sealed to withstand the test of time.
Watch This Space Keep an eye on this page as I continue to add descriptions of materials used in my collections. At Solis Forge, I am constantly sourcing and experimenting with new, distinctive elements—from rare wood burls to high-performance carbon fibre. I will be regularly updating this guide with details on the other unique materials I use in my workshop, so be sure to check back soon to see what else I am bringing to the bench!