Hers
Heating zirconium in air grows a hard, black ceramic-like oxide at the surface. It is not applied plating, but it is still a surface: harsh contact can damage it, and pale marks may be transferred metal rather than a scratch. Choose satin or polished in 4–10mm, and follow the maker-sourced care guidance before using abrasive cleaners.
Hers on its own pageHis
The tread pattern of a road tyre, laser cut into black zirconium at depth so it has grip to the touch as well as to the eye. It is the ring for the person who swore they would never wear one.
His on its own pageAbout this pair
Black zirconium on both, one ring with nothing on it and one with a great deal. Plain black zirconium is the quiet half: black all the way round, in satin or polished, with no pattern to interrupt it. Tyre tread, black carries the tread of a road tyre, cut deep enough to feel the grip as well as see it. Together they make a pair in which each ring sharpens the other: the plain band makes the tread look bolder, and the tread makes the plain band look deliberate.
Plain black zirconium is the only ring in this pairing with a choice of finish, satin or polished, from 4 to 10mm. Tyre tread, black is satin black zirconium with the pattern cut at depth, across the same widths. Both are hypoallergenic, and the black in each is the metal's own oxide rather than a coating. Alone, the plain band suits anyone who wants a dark ring that reads quietly; the tread suits the reluctant ring wearer.
| Hers | His | |
|---|---|---|
| Ring | Plain black zirconium | Tyre tread, black |
| Metal | Black zirconium | Black zirconium |
| Width | 4 to 10mm | 4 to 10mm |
| Finish | satin, polished | satin |
| Weight | About 3.2g at 6mm, est. | About 3.2g at 6mm, est. |
| Surface hardness | Mohs 8 | Mohs 8 |
| From | £199 | £449 |
Satin or polished is the main choice on the plain band. Satin sits closer to the tread's matte black and makes the pair feel matched; polished gives the plain ring a gloss that sets it apart. The black oxide is hard, around Mohs 8, and resists fine scratches well, though hard contact can leave a pale mark. Should texture appeal to you both, two tread rings make more sense than this pairing.
More pairs on his and hers wedding rings. Wondering whether your rings need to match at all? Mixing metals in wedding rings covers it.