Astra embodies the intersection of cosmic rarity and modern sophistication. This men's tungsten wedding ring from Foundoria's CELESTIUM Collection captures the drama of deep space in an 8mm band—fusing genuine Gibeon meteorite with mirror-polished black tungsten carbide and a luminous rose gold accent.

What Makes Astra Exceptional

Mirror-Polished Black Tungsten Carbide

Astra's foundation is premium tungsten carbide in a striking black finish, polished to a mirror-like lustre. This isn't coating or plating—the black colour is integral to the tungsten itself, created through advanced PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) technology that bonds at the molecular level.

The result is a finish that's as durable as it is dramatic. Rating 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, tungsten carbide resists scratches, maintains its mirror polish through years of wear, and never requires repolishing. The deep black creates striking contrast with both the meteorite's silvery Widmanstätten pattern and the warm rose gold accent.

The substantial weight of tungsten gives Astra a premium feel that lighter metals cannot replicate, while the comfort-fit interior ensures this presence never becomes uncomfortable. We use nickel-free tungsten carbide, making Astra completely hypoallergenic.

Genuine Gibeon Meteorite Inlay

At Astra's core lies authentic Gibeon meteorite from Namibia—one of Earth's most sought-after meteorite varieties. This isn't terrestrial material or synthetic simulation—it's genuine iron-nickel meteorite that formed over 4 billion years ago in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, surviving a fiery entry through Earth's atmosphere to land in the Kalahari Desert.

Each piece of Gibeon meteorite displays unique crystalline patterns. Your ring's meteorite pattern is genuinely one-of-a-kind—no other ring in existence will have an identical formation. This is wearable cosmic history, transformed into contemporary design.

The meteorite is carefully treated and sealed to prevent oxidation while preserving its natural crystalline beauty and authentic texture.

Rose Gold Accent

Running parallel to the meteorite inlay, a fine rose gold strip creates luminous warmth against the dramatic black tungsten. This accent isn't plating—it's permanently bonded through advanced metallurgical processes, ensuring it will never wear away or tarnish.

The warm, romantic hue of rose gold serves as visual punctuation—a reminder that even amid the vast darkness of space, there exists rare and precious beauty. It creates harmony between the celestial (meteorite) and terrestrial (tungsten), bridging billions of years in a single design.

The 8mm Profile

At 8mm wide, Astra commands presence without overwhelming. The width provides ample space for the meteorite inlay to showcase its natural Widmanstätten pattern while ensuring comfortable all-day wear. The smooth, flat profile with polished edges creates clean, contemporary lines that appeal to modern aesthetics.

Black Tungsten Carbide: Engineered Strength

Tungsten carbide is formed when tungsten—the metal with the highest melting point of any pure element—is fused with carbon under extreme pressure. The result rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond among materials used in jewellery.

For Astra, we apply advanced black PVD coating—a process where vaporized metal ions bond with the tungsten at the molecular level. Unlike paint or electroplating that sits on the surface, PVD becomes part of the ring's structure. The black finish is as durable as the tungsten itself, resistant to scratching, fading, and wear.

This exceptional hardness means your Astra ring will maintain its mirror polish indefinitely. While softer precious metals require periodic repolishing and show wear within months, tungsten carbide's finish is effectively permanent.

All Foundoria tungsten meets REACH and GPSR compliance—the EU's comprehensive safety standards for consumer products. Third-party laboratories verify our tungsten carbide contains zero nickel and meets all chemical safety requirements. This certification means Astra is legally verified safe, backed by the world's strictest product regulations.

Gibeon Meteorite: 4 Billion Years in the Making

The Gibeon meteorite fell to Earth thousands of years ago, scattering across 275 miles of the Namibian desert. Scientific analysis dates its formation to over 4 billion years ago—predating Earth's formation. This is material from the early solar system, transformed into wearable art.

What makes Gibeon meteorite exceptional is its high nickel content (approximately 8%), which creates the distinctive Widmanstätten pattern—intersecting crystalline plates that formed as molten metal cooled over millions of years in space. This cooling occurred so slowly (estimated at 1-2 degrees per million years) that large crystal structures developed. Such gradual cooling cannot be replicated on Earth.

Each piece of meteorite is unique. Crystal orientation, plate thickness, and intersection angles vary throughout the meteorite body. Your ring contains a small piece of cosmic history—its exact pattern exists nowhere else.

We carefully treat and seal the meteorite to protect against oxidation. The iron-nickel composition can develop patina when exposed to moisture, so proper care (detailed below) is essential to maintain its appearance.

Rose Gold Bonding

The rose gold accent is permanently bonded to the tungsten through precision metallurgical processes. This isn't surface plating—it's integrated into the ring's structure and will never wear away, maintaining its warm lustre for the ring's lifetime.

The CELESTIUM Promise

Every ring in the CELESTIUM collection celebrates cosmic rarity transformed into modern design. We source authentic meteorite, engineer with precision, and guarantee quality for life. Astra is built to be passed down—carrying billions of years of history into future generations.

Astra is engineered for daily wear, but the meteorite inlay requires special care to prevent oxidation and maintain its crystalline beauty.

Understanding Meteorite Patina

If your ring is exposed to moisture, the meteorite may develop a natural patina—a subtle darkening or rust spots. This is normal for authentic meteorite and doesn't affect structural integrity, but it does change appearance.

Light patina can add character, but heavy oxidation should be addressed. If significant rust develops, professional cleaning may be required. Prevention through proper care is always preferable.

Pro Tip: Keep Astra away from water, use your ENDURA silicone ring during any activities where moisture is present, and apply protective wax monthly. This preserves the meteorite's silvery crystalline appearance indefinitely.

Never use: Water, harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaners. These will damage the meteorite and potentially strip protective treatments.