Chris Ploof

Chris Ploof is an American jewelry designer known for handcrafting men's wedding bands from unconventional materials including Gibeon meteorite, Damascus steel, palladium, titanium, and wood. His work combines ancient metalworking techniques with contemporary design, and is carried at Johann Paul Fine Jewelry in Marin County, California.

Gibeon meteorite is an iron-nickel meteorite that fell in Namibia thousands of years ago. When acid-etched, it reveals a distinctive crystalline pattern called a Widmanstätten pattern — unique to each piece and impossible to replicate. Chris Ploof incorporates Gibeon meteorite into palladium wedding bands, making each ring literally one of a kind.

Damascus steel is created by folding and forge-welding multiple layers of steel together, producing a flowing, wave-like surface pattern. Originally a medieval sword-making technique, it is now used by craftsmen like Chris Ploof to create wedding bands with dramatic visual texture. No two Damascus steel rings have the same pattern.

Palladium is a rare platinum-group metal — naturally white, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. It is harder than white gold, more affordable than platinum, and does not require rhodium plating to maintain its colour. For men's wedding bands, it offers a premium feel with practical durability.

Currently available pieces are priced at $2,210 for the Damascus steel and palladium band, and $2,275 for the palladium band with Gibeon meteorite. Additional styles can be sourced on request — contact Johann Paul Fine Jewelry at 415-461-1866 to enquire.

Yes — men's wedding bands are Chris Ploof's primary speciality. His meteorite and Damascus steel rings are particularly popular with grooms who want something distinctly non-traditional. Each band is handmade in limited quantities, giving it a craft provenance that mass-produced wedding bands cannot match.

Yes. Johann Paul Fine Jewelry can source additional Chris Ploof styles not currently shown online. Call the store at 415-461-1866 or visit the Marin County showroom to discuss available designs and custom sizing options.

Yes, with reasonable care. Gibeon meteorite is iron-nickel and can develop surface rust if exposed to prolonged moisture — it should be dried after contact with water and occasionally treated with a light mineral oil. Chris Ploof's bands use meteorite inlaid within a palladium frame, which protects the edges and adds structural stability.

Johann Paul Fine Jewelry in Marin County, California is a Bay Area stockist for Chris Ploof. Pieces can be viewed in the Greenbrae showroom by appointment or purchased online at johannpaulfinejewelry.com with free FedEx overnight shipping.

Most alternative metal bands are mass-produced using CNC machining. Chris Ploof's bands are handcrafted in his New England studio using traditional forging and smithing techniques — meteorite is sourced, Damascus steel is hand-folded, and each ring is finished individually.