I DO: J.N. Shapiro just created the ultimate rings for watch lovers
Zach BlassWatch enthusiasts love the idea of melding horology with milestone events. Think of a birthday watch, graduation watch, or 25-years-of-service watch, for example. One of the latest phenomenons is the idea of an engagement watch that’s presented as an alternative to an engagement ring or even as an equivalent offering for the groom. But for those unable to convince their partners that an engagement watch is a viable gift, J.N. Shapiro Rings has introduced a new solution that offers the best of both worlds.
If you are unfamiliar, J.N. Shapiro is a California-based independent watch brand that is widely lauded for their mastery of engine-turning – executed in the most traditional means on a rose lathe. If Blancpain’s motto is “we have never made a quartz watch, and we never will”, you could say the J.N. Shapiro motto is “we have never stamped a watch dial, and we never will”. Shapiro and his team are such talented dial artisans, they have even engine-turned meteorite dials – no easy feat. So, if there was anyone equipped to create a engine-turned ring by hand it is J.N. Shapiro.
J.N. Shapiro explains: “From Joshua Shapiro’s Los Angeles manufacture comes a new product, perfect for everyday wear: engine turned rings. Using the same methods and machinery as Josh and his team use on his watches, J.N. Shapiro Rings are available and made to order in a range of sizes and precious metals.”
Three configurations are available for purchase: 18K yellow, rose, and palladium white gold. Each ring has a width of 5mm, and is available for purchase in men’s sizes 6-13. It is recommended you visit a jeweller to determine your ring size, as there are no returns for these custom orders. Orders take approximately six to eight weeks to complete, but if an order is time sensitive you can contact them to see if your ring can be expedited in time.
Obviously these rings are not cheap, and rightly so considering they are precious metal and decorated by hand on a rose lathe. Pricing starts at US$2,600, but it is undeniable that this is an incredible high-end horological answer for a watch geek’s ultimate wedding band (or even as a ring accessory unrelated to marital milestones).
J.N. Shapiro Rings pricing and availability:
Orders can be placed via the J.N. Shapiro Rings website, or via authorized dealer Collective Horology. Price: US$2,600 (yellow and rose gold), US$2,800 (palladium white gold)