TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mokume Gane: A Comprehensive Study
by SteveN Midgett
A NOTE FROM STEVE
Dear Friends,
I wanted to take the opportunity to give you the rundown on this completely FREE online version of my book, Mokume Gane: A Comprehensive Study. All of the book’s original content is now available here. I also have added, and wiill continue to add, new content both by me and by other leading Mokume Gane artists, in the NEW LAYERS sections that accompany each post. I truly hope this book, along with the discussions in the comments section at the end of each post will become a valuable resource for all metalsmiths, jewelers and knifemakers to learn, share and engage on the subject of Mokume Gane.
Please help me spread the word about this resource by sharing on social media and linking to this book from your website. If you have innovative content on the subject that you would like to contribute, please reach out to me directly at steve@mokume.com.
Thank you and enjoy!
— Steve
Table of CONTENTS
Chapter I: The History of Mokume Gane
Part 1: Development of Mokume in Japan
New Layers: Tiffany Mokume?
Part 2: Development of Mokume and Laminated Metals in the West
New Layers: David Barnhill and David Huang, An Artistic Collaboration
Chapter III: Metals for Mokume — Copper, Silver, Gold and Platinum Alloys for Mokume Gane
Chapter IV: Metallurgical Theory for Mokume Gane — Understanding the Way Metals Behave in a Mokume Billet
Chapter V: Tools and Equipment — What You Need to Make Mokume Gane
New Layers: Tool Talk
Chapter VI: Preparing the Billet — How to Prepare a Mokume Gane Billet
Chapter VII: Firing Methods
Part 1: Making and Firing a Mokume Mini-kiln
New Layers: Improvements to Torch-fired Mini-kilns
New Layers: Eric Burris on Torch-fired Mokume
Part 2: Forge-fired Mokume Gane by Robert Coogan
New Layers: Update from Robert Coogan
Part 3: Electric Kiln-fired Mokume by James Binnion
Part 4: Solder-bonded Mokume Gane by Alistair McCallum and Soldered-wire Mokume
Chapter VIII: From Billet to Sheet — Transforming a Mokume Billet into Usable Material
Chapter IX: Patterning — Methods for Pattern Development in Mokume Gane
Chapter X: Finishing Techniques — Making Your Mokume Shine
Project Demonstrations — Step by Step: Learning Skills for Working Mokume Gane
Project 1: Mokume Accent Ring: A Simple Cast Ring Accented with a Piece of Mokume Stock
Project 2: Cast Inlay Ring: Inlay a Continuous Strip of Mokume in a Cast Base
Project 3: Fabricated Mokume Band: Construction Techniques for a Mokume Band with a Liner and Edging
Project 4: Gouge Patterned Pin: Carving and Forging Techniques to Create an Attractive Brooch
Project 5: Twist Patterned Bracelet: Make a Beautiful Bangle Bracelet Using a Twisted Mokume Bar
©2000-2019 STEVEN JACOB INC. All rights reserved. Copyrighted materials – no portion to be reproduced without written permission from STEVEN JACOB INC.
Our men's Mokume ring in Palladium and 18K Yellow Gold is as good as it gets. The twisting woodgrain pattern is is brought to life with a deep grey Palladium alloy and rich 18K Yellow Gold in this high contrast mokume ring. Each ring starts as a custom fired billet made from sheets of 100% recycled precious metals that are then hand forged, twisted and carved into a one of a kind symbol with two elements, fused and forged together in a marriage of metals. We were the first to create Mokume Gane with Palladium, and have been using this Platinum family metal in our rings for over 25 years. If you are looking for the very finest quality wedding band from innovative leaders of this ancient technology, reach out to STEVEN JACOB today. We will personally walk you thru the design process and create the perfect wedding bands for you and your beloved.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
Please NOTE prices given are for a single men's band. Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
This Mokume Gane ring is sizable!
The TERRA SQUARE Platinum and 18K Gold Mokume Gane wedding band is bold and masculine. The flowing organic patterns makes it look like it was shaped in the surf. We start with the same exclusive Mokume material used in our round TERRA bands. It is then re-forged and hand-worked to a handsome "rounded square" shape. Because material is cut away to create the "flats" of the square, distinctive pattern emerges on these bands. Each side shows unique and flowing pattern lines, suggesting fluid landscapes and natural materials.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
TERRA wedding bands are available in 4mm, 6mm and 8mm widths and matching women's sizes.
Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
This TWISTED WOOD band is a modern take on a classic Mokume design. We've taken our finest Palladium and Silver woodgrain Mokume Gane and incorporated it into sleek single rail channel of Tantalum. Tantalum is a favorite of ours not only for its natural dark graphite color, but also for it's many unique metallurgical qualities. First, it is 99.99+% pure and has a luxurious heft, weighing in between 18K Gold and Platinum. It is completely inert and is commonly used for medical implants which makes it ideal for anyone with metal sensitivities. Tantalum is as strong as steel, yet as ductile as pure gold. And because of its amazing qualities Tantalum finds many space age uses, from rocket nose cones and armor, to cell phone electronics. There is no other metal like it for quality and durability, and no metal that offers a greater color contrast to silver, gold, or stainless steel Damascus.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
This TWISTED WOOD wedding band is available in 5mm, 6mm, 7mm and 8mm widths and matching women's sizes.
Please NOTE the women's band with Tantalum liner is shown for illustration purposes only. Prices given are for a single men's band.
Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
Our CLASSIC STAR 18K Yellow and Red Gold Mokume Gane wedding bands are an original twist on and ancient Mokume pattern. Each ring is handcrafted from our own material that is fused, forged, and patterned in-house. These yellow and red gold rings have the most subtle contrast of any of our bands and are well suited for people who want a traditional band, with a touch of something special. CLASSIC STAR rings are entirely 18K gold, and the inside of each bears a quality stamp of 18K, signifying its purity.
This ring provides the perfect symbol of marriage, the joining of two distinct elements that are fused and forged into one. Like all STEVEN JACOB rings, the CLASSIC STAR bands have generously rounded edges, comfort fit interiors, and a lustrous matte finish.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
CLASSIC STAR wedding bands are available in 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and 6mm widths and matching women's sizes.
Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
This Mokume Gane ring is sizable!
These 14K White Gold and Silver TERRA SQUARE bands are everything a Mokume ring can be - bold, refined, sculptural, and incomparably patterned. The solid white on white Mokume in this organic style evokes a piece of weathered wood, or a fantastic shell found on the beach. Starting with the same exclusive Mokume material used in our round TERRA bands, we re-forge and handwork the band to a masculine "rounded square" shape. The silver, in combination with the gray 18K palladium white gold alloy, creates a sophisticated color contrast that enhances the energy and flow of this design.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
TERRA wedding bands are available in 4mm, 6mm and 8mm widths and matching women's sizes.
Please NOTE that pricing given is per each ring. Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
This 18K Tri-Colored Gold TERRA Mokume band, features multiple layers of solid 18K Red, Yellow, and White Gold in a bold organic woodgrain pattern. Unlike our classic bands that have a pattern that repeats several times around the ring, TERRA bands are different from every angle, with one side suggesting a simple woodgrain which then flows into a swirling burl pattern of exquisite detail on the other.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
TERRA wedding bands are available in 4mm, 6mm and 8mm widths and matching women's sizes.
Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
Sizable Mokume Gane ring!
Our CLASSIC STAR Platinum 950 and 18K Gold Mokume Gane bands are the ultimate when it comes to a refined and luxurious hand crafted wedding ring. Platinum is the most difficult precious metal to use for Mokume Gane. Its hardness, density, and high melting temperature all make it an extremely demanding metal to work. We hope you agree that the results are well worth the effort though.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
CLASSIC STAR wedding bands are available in 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and 6mm widths and matching women's sizes.
Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
This ring can be resized!
The TERRA square 18K Tri-Colored gold band is a contemporary yet earthy Mokume Gane ring. The bold pattern evokes fantastic landscapes in the colors of earth and fire. Starting with the same exclusive Mokume material used in our round TERRA bands, we re-forge and handwork these to a masculine 'rounded square' shape. Because much of the Mokume is cut away to create the "flats" of the square, a unique pattern is uncovered under the surface.
TERRA SQUARE bands are seamlessly patterned and handcrafted from material that is created in-house. Making our own material gives us complete control over the design of the ring, as well as ensuring its quality for you. In one of the finishing touches, the red gold layer is acid etched to create a texture on the surface of the ring and accentuate the contrast between the white and yellow layers of gold. Unlike many makers, who use copper or silver to create an "etch line", there is nothing but 18K gold in these rings, and the inside of each one bears a quality stamp, signifying its purity. Like all STEVEN JACOB rings, TERRA bands have generously rounded edges, comfort fit interiors, and a lustrous matte finish.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
TERRA wedding bands are available in 4mm, 6mm and 8mm widths and matching women's sizes.
Please NOTE that pricing given is per each ring. Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
Mokume Gane wedding bands are the perfect symbol of marriage. Two elements forged into one, never to be separated. In that spirit we created this Palladium and Sterling Silver TERRA Mokume square wedding band. The white on white Mokume in this natural wood grain design is subtle yet defined. It invites the viewer to look closer and follow the masterful movement of the pattern. Unlike our Classic bands that have a pattern that repeats several times around the ring, TERRA style bands are different from every angle, with one side simple and quiet, flowing into another side of swirling burl pattern, exquisite in every detail.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
TERRA wedding bands are available in 4mm, 6mm and 8mm widths and matching women's sizes.
Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
This ring can be resized!
Our men's Mokume ring in Palladium and Silver is as good as it gets. The twisting woodgrain pattern is is brought to life with a deep grey Palladium alloy and bright, white Sterling Silver in this high contrast mokume ring. Each ring starts as a custom fired billet made from sheets of 100% recycled precious metals that are then hand forged, twisted and carved into a one of a kind symbol with two elements, fused and forged together in a marriage of metals. We were the first to create Mokume Gane with Palladium, and have been using this Platinum family metal in our rings for over 25 years. If you are looking for the very finest quality wedding band from innovative leaders of this ancient technology, reach out to STEVEN JACOB today. We will personally walk you thru the design process and create the perfect wedding bands for you and your beloved.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
Please NOTE prices given are for a single men's band. Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
This Mokume Gane ring is sizable!
This 14K White Gold and Silver TERRA Mokume band is one sweet ring. The solid white on white Mokume in this earthy style, echoes sun bleached wood found on the beach. Unlike our Classic bands that have a pattern that repeats several times around the ring, TERRA style bands are different from every angle, with one side simple and quiet, flowing into another side of swirling burl pattern, exquisite in every detail.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
TERRA wedding bands are available in 4mm, 6mm and 8mm widths and matching women's sizes.
Please NOTE that pricing given is per each ring. Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
This ring can be resized!
Our CLASSIC STAR Palladium and Silver men's Mokume Gane wedding bands are an original twist on an ancient Mokume pattern. Each ring is handcrafted from our own material and created in-house by our proprietary methods. Making our own material gives us complete control over the design of the ring and ensures the quality of every piece.
Understated and restrained, this band is mesmerizing in its simplicity, and serves as a perfect symbol of marriage with the joining of two distinct elements, fused and forged into one.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
CLASSIC STAR wedding bands are available in 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and 6mm widths and matching women's sizes.
Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
This ring is sizable!
Mokume Gane rings are the perfect symbol of marriage. Two elements forged into one, never to be separated. In this spirit we created this Palladium and Sterling Silver TERRA Mokume wedding band. The white on white Mokume in this natural wood grain design is subtle yet defined. It invites the viewer to look closer and follow the masterful movement of the pattern. Unlike our Classic bands that have a pattern that repeats several times around the ring, TERRA style bands are different from every angle, with one side simple and quiet, flowing into another side of swirling burl pattern, exquisite in every detail.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
TERRA wedding bands are available in 4mm, 6mm and 8mm widths and matching women's sizes.
Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
This ring can be resized!
Buy the TERRA men’s platinum and 18K yellow gold mokume gane wedding band from Steven Jacob for a wedding, anniversary, or meaningful milestone. Classy and masculine, this domed ring features an organic pattern that flows around the band from detailed figuring to quieter areas and back again. We meticulously craft each mokume gane wedding band through a myriad of steps using our in-house produced mokume gane material, creating a truly unique ring with the distinctive look of layered precious-metal grain. Prices start at $8,439.00 per ring, with 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm widths available.
We provide a complimentary sizing-band set with domestic orders, and this men’s mokume gane ring is resizable for future fit adjustments. Steven Jacob includes free insured FedEx domestic shipping, and pricing applies to each ring. Matching women's mokume gane wedding bands are available for couples seeking a coordinated set. Contact us for product questions, custom-order enquiries, or a phone or video consultation.
TERRA wedding bands are available in 4mm, 6mm and 8mm widths and matching women's sizes.
Please NOTE that pricing given is per each ring. Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
This ring is sizable!
STEVEN JACOB's Mokume Gane wood grain square Terra ring is everything a Mokume is meant to be - bold, refined, sculptural, and incomparably patterned. We combine 18K Yellow gold, 14K White gold and the whitest sterling silver in this organic design reminiscent of a weathered wood, or stone. Starting with our premium Mokume material we re-forge and handwork the band to a masculine "rounded square" shape. The colors contrast and compliment each other beautifully to make this ring one of the best wedding band designs we make.
A complimentary sizing band set will be provided for domestic orders to confirm your precise ring size when you purchase this item.
FREE FedEx domestic shipping and insurance for this ring!
TERRA wedding bands are available in 4mm, 6mm and 8mm widths and matching women's sizes.
Due to the number of orders we have been fortunate to receive this year, normal delivery times for our Mokume rings have been extended. Please contact us for current delivery times.
Questions?