How a Guitar String from Ray LaMontagne Became the Heart of a Custom Wedding Ring
How far would you go to find the perfect ring for your partner?
For Honest Hands customer Austin, her journey began at a Ray LaMontagne concert, where she arrived with a handwritten sign and a plan. To grab the attention of her fiancé's favorite artist, she stood out from the crowd with a message that read, "Ray, string for a ring?"
It worked. Austin walked away from the show with an incredible souvenir —a string from LaMontagne's acoustic guitar. Now, she just needed Honest Hands to transform the concert keepsake into a one-of-a-kind wedding band.
Austin wanted a rose gold band to match her engagement ring. We suggested a carbon fiber center inlay to contrast and highlight the guitar string's natural texture. The challenge was figuring out the best way to set the string while keeping it visible and secure.
When it came to placement, there were two options. Leaving the guitar string exposed would give it a raw, tactile quality, but oils and dirt could wear it down over time. Instead, we sealed it under a clear resin layer, protecting it from daily wear without taking away its character.
"I'm so excited to give this to him." - Austin
We designed the ring digitally and had the blank expertly cast in rose gold. We cleaned up the band once the casting was ready, carefully removing excess material and reclaiming every gold shaving.
Next came the most delicate step—setting the guitar string. We cut a precise groove along the outer edge, making sure the width matched the string perfectly. The tension held it in place, with just enough room to press it down. It fit seamlessly, sitting flush against the gold without shifting out of place.
With the guitar string securely set, we moved on to the center inlay. Carbon fiber was the perfect choice, adding depth and contrast to the design. The final step was sealing all three inlays—two guitar string pieces and a carbon fiber center—into the gold band. With everything in place, the ring was ready for its finishing touches.
After we ran the ring through an ultrasonic cleaning bath , removing dust and residue , we gave it a subtle brushed finish, ensuring the carbon fiber stood out against the gold. The final polish gave the ring a smooth, sleek look, ready to be worn for a lifetime.
When Austin opened the box , she saw exactly what she had envisioned . On Christmas Day, her fiancé was not only surprised by the ring but by the lengths Austin went to create something truly special.
At Honest Hands, we don't just make rings . We craft personal artifacts. Whether it's a guitar string, a relic from a first date, or something only you understand, we can bring it to life.
Got an idea for a custom ring? Let's make it happen.
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