Matching Wedding Bands But NOT Matchy Matchy

LISA

Are you considering a matching set of wedding bands, but want to retain your own unique individual expression? This was the case for a couple who came to Krikawa looking for custom wedding rings inspired by the timeless elegance of the Celtic knot. Although they both loved the symbolism of eternal connection, they did not want their rings to be "matchy matchy." Instead, they wanted something deeply personal. They wanted rings that would feel related, not repetitive and not identical. 

The result? A wedding band set that shares a unifying motif, while honoring each partner's unique style and preferences.  
 

Unified Symbolism, Distinct Design

These custom Celtic Knot Wedding Bands feature the same flowing eternity knot continuously wrapping around each band--but that's where the similarities end.

"I love the Celtic Knot Wedding Set that we created," Lisa explains. "The set was inspired by a couple who really wanted matching rings, with a twist: a narrow Celtic knot band for her to wear next to an engagement ring and a very wide band for him. She also wanted something a little more feminine."

Starting with a pattern she loved, we were inspired to create a wedding band for her that is pierced so you can see through it. Her ring is intentionally designed to look and feel a bit more delicate and sculptural. That same pattern was then laid into a liner with wide contrasting metal rails and added millegraining detail for him. With these additional design elements, his ring was visually distinct with a masculine feel. Together, the rings reflect a shared story, but in individual voices.

This creative approach isn't limited to Celtic knot rings. In fact the very same process can be used to design complementary tight or loose twist wedding bands or mountain engagement rings and mountain wedding bands that share topography elements but are executed differently. Or consider our women's infinity symbol wedding rings and men's wide infinity symbol wedding bands, which interpret the figure-eight loop of eternal love--yet, one more delicate and detailed, the other bold and sculptural.

From Concept to Creation: Custom Ring Process

Every custom ring at Krikawa begins with a collaborative design process with the client to understand the couple's inspiration and meaning for their rings. For the Celtic set, after meeting with a design consultant, our expert Design Team came together to ensure the clients were not only getting their dream rings, but they would receive rings that would stand the test of time. Once the vision was clear, our CAD modeler rendered the knot pattern digitally, allowing us to review proportions from every angle. A 3D rendering was created for the clients, so they could see a two-dimensional depiction of the end result from different angles and discuss any issues before production began.   

Due to the complex, eternal pattern of the knot, it was first created on a computer by our in-house CAD modeler. After the knot design was complete, a 3D printer was used to make the wax model, then the traditional method of lost wax casting was employed to turn the model into metal.  No molds were used.

This meticulous process is the one we use for all of our rings. Whether you're envisioning a wave-like ocean themed beach wedding ring, or an heirloom-quality band featuring your favorite cityscape in a custom landscape wedding band, we take the necessary steps to ensure every element is designed to reflect your story.

Vintage Details, Modern Craftsmanship

The finished Vintage Celtic Knot Band gets its classically vintage appeal from the millegrain detail. Millegrain is the row of tiny beads that runs along the edge of the yellow gold rails. This was a popular decorative technique in the first half of the twentieth century and you will commonly see it on antique jewelry.

How is this technique achieved? Historically, a little roller is hand-rolled over the edges to give the appearance of tiny round balls. Contemporary millegraining is done two ways: Larger beads are cast in place, for a larger look or the traditional wheel is used for true millegraining. In the case of the Vintage Celtic Knot Band, we used the authentic, hand-rolled technique.

The use of both 14k yellow gold for the rails and palladium for the center knot gives the ring beautiful contrast and allows the intricate knot pattern to "pop". Adding to the contrast, is the finish of the ring. The rails and knot were given a high polish finish while the recessed areas of the knot were given a matte finish which both darkened them and gave them some texture. 

Now on to the Sculptural Celtic Knot Band. It is the same eternal Celtic knot as the Vintage Celtic Knot Band and was also made out of the same metal: Palladium. However, that is where the resemblance ends. The Sculptural Celtic Knot Band has no liner metal behind it or rails beside it. The knot is "sculpted" out of the palladium with negative spaces within the design. This makes the ring lighter and more delicate in comparison. The whole ring was given a high polish finish.

A Match Made in Love

That’s the power of custom design. Whether your shared motif is a Celtic knot, a mountain peak, skyline, an infinity loop, or the contours of an ocean wave, we can help you create rings that speak the same language—without saying the same thing.

Ready to explore a wedding set that’s beautifully matched, but never matchy-matchy?

Let’s design something extraordinary—together.