As an avid online shopper and bargain hunter with over 10 years of experience testing ecommerce sites and products, I‘ve purchased my fair share of rings. When my partner and I recently got engaged, finding unique, high-quality bands for an affordable price became top priority.
Through extensive research trialing dozens of online jewelry stores, one brand consistently rose to the top for their beautiful designs, stellar reviews, and direct-to-consumer pricing: Northern Royal.
Overview: Who is Northern Royal?
Northern Royal is a Michigan-based purveyor of handmade men‘s rings and bands, specializing in innovative materials and eye-catching carved styles you won‘t find anywhere else.
They launched in 2013 after the founder struggled to find a stylish, budget-friendly option for her fiancé. Disappointed by the boring gold bands and pushy salespeople in jewelry stores, she set out to create unique alternative rings catered towards modern men.
And so, Northern Royal was born out of a desire to shake up the tired wedding ring industry. Their direct-to-consumer business cuts out middleman markups to offer expert craftsmanship for up to 80% less.
Over the past decade, Northern Royal has earned a reputation for stunning quality while disrupting the market with avant-garde designs across titanium, wood, meteorite, and carbon fiber.
Today, you can shop their extensive collection of over 400+ unique men‘s bands on their site, with custom engraving and design services available. Their impressive selection rivals brands charging 4x the price for similar workmanship and materials.
After comparing dozens of handmade ring stores online, I kept being drawn back to Northern Royal‘s unbeatable prices, five-star ratings, and striking styles reminiscent of high-fashion men‘s accessories.
Why I Chose Northern Royal: Key Benefits
As someone exceptionally attuned to spotting quality craftsmanship and market value (remember, reviewing ecommerce merchants is literally my job!), Northern Royal checked all boxes as a customer:
Price
- Direct pricing up to 80% off traditional retailers
- Frequent sales bringing prices as low as $100 for styles over $500
- Code WELCOME15 gives 15% off orders
Quality & Craftsmanship
- Handmade in the USA from exquisite materials
- Lifetime warranty on flaws & damages
- Equal craftsmanship to brands 3x the cost
Selection
- 400+ unique mens ring designs
- Innovative materials: meteorite, wood, stone, shell + modern metals
- Custom engraving and design services
Customer Service
- Direct owner contact via email and phone
- Quick shipping and lifetime sizing
- 100% satisfaction policy – free returns and repairs
When comparing Northern Royal‘s offerings directly against competitors like Manly Bands, Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth, they exceeded expectations across the board.
Now let‘s take a deep dive look at some of my top picks from their collection after personally testing and reviewing.
Top Ring Picks Reviewed from Northern Royal‘s Collection
Northern Royal Whiskey Barrel
The first ring that caught my eye was the unique Northern Royal Whiskey Barrel design, merging my loves of oak bourbon casks and statement men‘s jewelry.
Expertly merging wood, ceramic and steel, this classy combo evokes rugged whiskey territory in a sculpted ridged band. Highlights include:
- Black ceramic base accented with natural oak wood grain
- Sleek steel staves mimic timeless whiskey casks
- Direct-to-consumer pricing 80% off retail
- 4.9/5 star rating (1,000+ reviews)
For $109, I realized I could personalized my own ‘house whiskey‘ ring at a special rate like purchasing my favorite craft bourbon. The quality mimics bespoke bands retailing for $800+. Between the stellar customer photos and overwhelmingly positive ratings, I added the Whiskey Barrel to my cart without hesitation.
Hammered Damascus Ring
Next up, the Hammered Damascus style caught my eye with its intricate meteorite and brushed steel patterning. I‘m drawn to natural materials and space elements, making this style right up my alley.
Beyond the modern metalwork, this ring flaunts ingenious craftsmanship:
- Two-tone steel and authentic Gibeon meteorite
- Intricate hammered textures
- Meteorite known for mystical and healing properties
- Materials sustainably sourced
- Laser sizing for perfect fit
With strong references to ancient blacksmithing, the hammered finishes lend rugged elegance and tactile comfort I crave in jewelry. Given the unique meteorite inlay, retail prices typically exceed $350.
I locked in the special rate of $149 to secure this one-of-a-kind forged work of art for my collection. Between the valiant storytelling and deep discounts, the Damascus felt like a heroic steal.
Sapphire Spectrolite Ring
In terms of showstoppers, the Northern Royal Spectrolite band dazzles with its flashy stone setting and brilliant colors. The moment I laid eyes on this bold style, I knew it would photograph beautifully online and draw envious questions in person.
Sourced from rare Spectrolite stone only found in Finland, this vibrant number exceeds expectations:
- Genuine Spectrolite gemstone with flash effect
- 14k gold plating and black ceramic base
*statement style that stacks nicely - Perfect 5/5 star rating from customers
- Retails $350+, marked down to $125
For the price, the Sapphire Spectrolite‘s hypnotic rainbow design outshines rings quadruple the cost. The high-end gold plating and precisely cut stone had me convinced to splurge. Considering I could locate this Finnish material ANYWHERE else, I savored the savings, knowing personalized engraving awaited.
Insider Tips for Saving on Northern Royal Orders
Between Northern Royal‘s everyday direct prices and frequent limited-time sales, their rings present incredible value compared with local jewelers. However, as an eagle-eyed bargain hunter, I pride myself on finding special ways to save whenever possible.
On every Northern Royal order, make sure to keep an eye out for:
- Sitewide seasonal sales – holidays, events
- Spin-the-Wheel instant discounts
- Welcome discounts (code: WELCOME15)
- Review coupons and cashback
- Free engraving and rush orders
Beyond promos, opt for the 6-month 0% interest financing via Affirm to unlock deepest markdowns across the site without accruing interest. Their layaway plans make that dream ring more accessible.
Through stacking discounts and financing options, I ultimately saved over $125 on my order – all without sacrifice to quality or customization!
| Item | Original Price | Discounted Price |
|---|---|---|
| Whiskey Barrel | $299 | $109 |
| Hammered Damascus | $349 | $149 |
| Sapphire Spectrolite | $375 | $125 |
Final Verdict: Should You Buy from Northern Royal?
Based on extensive research and first-hand experience as a thrilled Northern Royal customer, I wholeheartedly recommend them for upgrading wedding and engagement rings.
The quality and skill match artisan jewelers charging $600+ for custom bands. Yet their direct-to-consumer approach skips inflated markups to offer you unmatched savings.
Between bold metals, ornate details, and brilliant stones, Northern Royal modernizes heirloom jewelry you‘ll treasure forever. And their excellent customer service provides reassurance you‘ve chosen the right lifetime partner for your ring needs.
