James Binnion Metal Arts, LLC

06/19/2026

Flashback Friday: 2023 ✨

This custom ring makes a bold statement. Designed at 12mm wide, it features two 3mm platinum flush square rails with 6mm of etched mokume in palladium 500 and sterling silver.

A striking design with strong proportions—especially well suited for longer fingers.

06/18/2026

A meaningful gift from husband to wife to celebrate the birth of their August baby. 💚

This custom pendant features a peridot set in 14K palladium white gold and sterling silver. It was designed to be worn alongside a pendant representing their first child’s birthstone—a beautiful way to keep both children close.

Birthstone pendants are a thoughtful way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new arrivals, and other special milestones. Plus, pendants allow more flexibility for gemstones that may not be ideal for everyday rings.

Recognized master of mokume James Binnion specializes in Mokume-Gane jewelry and is available to personally create your unique engagement, wedding rings + more! Founded in 1991. We can work with you via Zoom, phone, email or in person.

06/16/2026

Happy Gemstone Tuesday! 🌟

June’s second birthstone is the captivating **alexandrite**—known for its remarkable color change from vivid green or bluish-green to deep red or purplish-red depending on the light.

With a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, alexandrite is durable enough for everyday wear, making it a beautiful choice for a unique engagement ring or birthstone ring. 💍✨

This oval Chatham lab-created alexandrite is beautifully highlighted by palladium 500 and sterling silver mokume.

06/15/2026

Metals Monday ✨

So far this year, our **“SHS” metal combination — Shibuichi + Continuum™ Sterling Silver —** has been our most ordered option for the first time ever. It’s easy to see why: rich history, beautiful color, durability, and a more approachable price point.

Shibuichi is a traditional Japanese copper/silver alloy once used to decorate samurai sword handles and scabbards. The name means “one quarter,” and our shibuichi is made with **75% copper + 25% silver**.

Close behind is our longtime favorite **“A” combination:** 18K yellow gold, 14K palladium white gold, 14K red gold, and sterling silver. This was the first precious metal combination Jim made into rings. With today’s metal prices, it’s a more premium option than shibuichi—but also more colorful and classic.

Which would you choose for your ring: **SHS or A?**

06/11/2026

Damascus stainless steel isn’t just for rings. ✨

These boxes are a unique presentation box for that special ring. The inside ring holder can be removed.

From cherished keepsakes to everyday essentials, these boxes are a beautiful and durable way to protect your treasures.

Which finish is more your style: Bright or Darkened? Let us know in the comments!

06/09/2026

Gemstone Tuesday ✨

June is one of the few months with three birthstones, and the traditional choice is pearl.

Pearls are beautiful, but they’re also soft—about 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs hardness scale—so they’re not usually recommended for rings worn every day. While white pearls are the most familiar, pearls come in a wide range of colors.

This custom pendant was commissioned by a friend for his wife and features a striking black pearl set in mokume made with platinum, 18K yellow gold, and iron.

06/08/2026

Metals Monday ✨

Mokume is created by bonding at least two metals together. Our standard mokume combinations include 2, 3, or 4 different metals—some with a subtle look, others with bold contrast.

Here are two of our 2-metal combinations:

**“N”**: 18K yellow gold + sterling silver
**“R”**: 14K red gold + sterling silver

Which combination do you prefer?

06/04/2026

A custom pendant inspired by nature’s shapes. ✨

Our client wanted a more free-form design and shared photos of pebbles she loved as inspiration. The final piece captured that organic feel beautifully—and she made it even more special by adding Nanako texture to areas of the red gold.

A meaningful, one-of-a-kind piece with personal details in every curve.

06/02/2026

🌟 Gemstone Tuesday: Pearls + Mokume 🌟

June’s birthstone is a classic: pearls. While pearls are beautiful, they’re also soft—about 2.5–3 on the Mohs scale—so they’re better suited for pendants and necklaces than everyday rings.

Imagine an 18" strand of 7mm pearls finished with a mokume ball in 14K palladium white gold and sterling silver. Prefer a smaller mokume accent? We can customize that, too.

Pearls are also a timeless wedding choice, making them a beautiful way to blend tradition with the unique patterning of mokume. You can personalize the look with different metal combinations—or add diamonds to the mokume ball for extra sparkle. ✨

Pearls, diamonds, and mokume: a stunning trio for June birthdays, weddings, and special occasions. 💎

06/01/2026

Metals Monday! ✨

Can’t choose between a precious metal mokume ring and Damascus stainless steel? You don’t have to.

These rings feature a darkened Damascus stainless steel outer band with an inset of mokume:

🔹 Left: Palladium 500 + sterling silver, non-etched
🔹 Right: 14K red gold + sterling silver, non-etched

Both offer a striking mix of pattern, contrast, and craftsmanship. Which mokume combination do you prefer?