Cordyceps Mushroom Ring | (Cordyceps militaris) | Size 9 - 9 ½, 18k gold vermeil
Fun, funky, and a little frightening, these cordyceps mushroom rings ride the line between beautiful and strange really well. Designed to look like the club shaped fungus cordyceps, these mushrooms weave around each other, and your finger.
We sculpt the rings in wax to create a unique, one-of-a-kind ring in sterling silver. The back of the ring even features the detail of the cordyceps host animal, in this case a little gypsy moth larvae. We send it to the professionals to add the 18k gold vermeil. Vermeil is a standard of gold plating defined as 2.5-3 microns, basically a thicker application of gold than a flash plating on a base metals like brass.
Sterling silver w/ 18k gold vermeil
One-of-a-kind sculpture
Fits a size 9 - 9 ½ finger, due to its irregular shape.
The cordyceps twist around the front of the finger, but don’t form a perfect circle. So there is room for some extra flesh to squeeze into the negative space at the top. We recommend trying one on in person at one of our events, but if that isn’t possible, keep in mind that we do accept returns and exchanges.
Cordyceps are a parasitic fungus that attacks small insect hosts and alters their brain chemistry to serve their own purposes. Made famous through Planet Earth and HBO’s The Last of Us, this ingenious creature is now having a moment in culture.
***I don't know my ring size*** Fill out this form and we’ll put a free plastic ring sizer in the mail for you today - RING SIZER REQUEST FORM
Instagram or Facebook: @shademetals
Fun, funky, and a little frightening, these cordyceps mushroom rings ride the line between beautiful and strange really well. Designed to look like the club shaped fungus cordyceps, these mushrooms weave around each other, and your finger.
We sculpt the rings in wax to create a unique, one-of-a-kind ring in sterling silver. The back of the ring even features the detail of the cordyceps host animal, in this case a little gypsy moth larvae. We send it to the professionals to add the 18k gold vermeil. Vermeil is a standard of gold plating defined as 2.5-3 microns, basically a thicker application of gold than a flash plating on a base metals like brass.
Sterling silver w/ 18k gold vermeil
One-of-a-kind sculpture
Fits a size 9 - 9 ½ finger, due to its irregular shape.
The cordyceps twist around the front of the finger, but don’t form a perfect circle. So there is room for some extra flesh to squeeze into the negative space at the top. We recommend trying one on in person at one of our events, but if that isn’t possible, keep in mind that we do accept returns and exchanges.
Cordyceps are a parasitic fungus that attacks small insect hosts and alters their brain chemistry to serve their own purposes. Made famous through Planet Earth and HBO’s The Last of Us, this ingenious creature is now having a moment in culture.
***I don't know my ring size*** Fill out this form and we’ll put a free plastic ring sizer in the mail for you today - RING SIZER REQUEST FORM
Instagram or Facebook: @shademetals
Fun, funky, and a little frightening, these cordyceps mushroom rings ride the line between beautiful and strange really well. Designed to look like the club shaped fungus cordyceps, these mushrooms weave around each other, and your finger.
We sculpt the rings in wax to create a unique, one-of-a-kind ring in sterling silver. The back of the ring even features the detail of the cordyceps host animal, in this case a little gypsy moth larvae. We send it to the professionals to add the 18k gold vermeil. Vermeil is a standard of gold plating defined as 2.5-3 microns, basically a thicker application of gold than a flash plating on a base metals like brass.
Sterling silver w/ 18k gold vermeil
One-of-a-kind sculpture
Fits a size 9 - 9 ½ finger, due to its irregular shape.
The cordyceps twist around the front of the finger, but don’t form a perfect circle. So there is room for some extra flesh to squeeze into the negative space at the top. We recommend trying one on in person at one of our events, but if that isn’t possible, keep in mind that we do accept returns and exchanges.
Cordyceps are a parasitic fungus that attacks small insect hosts and alters their brain chemistry to serve their own purposes. Made famous through Planet Earth and HBO’s The Last of Us, this ingenious creature is now having a moment in culture.
***I don't know my ring size*** Fill out this form and we’ll put a free plastic ring sizer in the mail for you today - RING SIZER REQUEST FORM
Instagram or Facebook: @shademetals
What is Vermeil?
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a type of high-quality gold plating over sterling silver. To be considered true vermeil, the gold layer must be at least 2.5 microns thick and have a minimum karat of 10K. (We use 18k) This makes it more durable and valuable than standard gold-plated jewelry, which typically has a thinner gold layer over a base metal like brass or copper.
Because the base metal in vermeil is sterling silver, it is a good option for people with metal sensitivities. However, it can still wear down over time, especially if exposed to water, sweat, or harsh chemicals. Proper care, such as removing it before swimming or showering, helps maintain its appearance.
Gold Vermeil Care Tips:
Avoid Water & Moisture 💦
Take off your jewelry before showering, swimming, or exercising.
Avoid exposing it to lotions, perfumes, or harsh cleaning products.
Store Properly 📦
Keep it in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches.
Store pieces separately to avoid friction with other jewelry.
Clean Gently 🧽
Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive jewelry cloth.
If needed, lightly dampen the cloth with warm water and mild soap, then dry immediately.
Avoid Excessive Rubbing ✋
Over-polishing can wear down the gold layer faster. Stick to gentle wiping.
Wear with Care ✨
Put on your vermeil jewelry last after applying makeup, perfume, and lotions.
Remove rings before washing hands or using hand sanitizers.
Himalayan Gold
In the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau, deep beneath the soil, the spores of Cordyceps sinensis find their unsuspecting hosts—ghost moth larvae burrowing in the cold, dark earth. Once inside, the fungus spreads like a silent invader, slowly consuming the caterpillar from within while keeping it alive, a parasite puppeteering its own host. As winter grips the mountains, the larva succumbs, its body stiffening into a mummified husk. Then, with the first warmth of spring, something eerie happens: a slender, club-like stalk bursts forth from the caterpillar’s head, piercing through the soil to release a fresh wave of spores. Drifting on the wind, they seek their next victim, ensuring that the cycle of parasitic mastery continues.
Different species have different hosts, and some can now be cultivated in the lab. Cultivation of this fungus has lead to more research of its unique properties and implications for human health. Below is an AI generated list of its compounds and various uses in medicine.
1. Cordycepin: The Star Compound
One of the most studied compounds in Cordyceps is cordycepin, a unique nucleoside analog structurally similar to adenosine, a molecule involved in cellular energy production (ATP synthesis) and RNA synthesis.
🦠 Antiviral & Anticancer Properties – Cordycepin can interfere with viral replication and has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death). Researchers are exploring its potential use in treating leukemia and certain solid tumors.
🔥 Anti-Inflammatory Effects – Cordycepin suppresses inflammation by modulating immune responses, which could make it beneficial for conditions like arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation.
🧠 Neuroprotective Potential – Some studies suggest cordycepin may help protect brain cells from damage, making it a potential candidate for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
2. Polysaccharides: Immune Boosters & Energy Regulators
Cordyceps is rich in polysaccharides, complex carbohydrates that play a critical role in immune function, blood sugar regulation, and antioxidant activity.
🛡️ Immune Modulation – Certain polysaccharides in Cordyceps stimulate macrophages, T-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections.
🍬 Blood Sugar Control – Cordyceps polysaccharides may help improve insulin sensitivity, making them potentially useful for diabetes management.
⏳ Antioxidant & Anti-Aging Effects – These compounds neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and slowing down cellular aging.
3. Cordycepic Acid & Adenosine: Energy & Endurance Enhancers
Cordycepic acid and adenosine contribute to increased ATP production, which is essential for cellular energy metabolism and endurance.
🏃♂️ Athletic Performance & Fatigue Reduction – Cordyceps gained worldwide attention in the 1990s when Chinese athletes broke endurance records and credited Cordyceps supplementation for their success. It has been shown to improve oxygen utilization, stamina, and recovery.
🌬️ Lung Health & Respiratory Function – Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long used Cordyceps to treat chronic bronchitis, asthma, and lung weakness, as it is believed to improve oxygen uptake and enhance lung capacity.
4. Sterols & Peptides: Cardiovascular & Liver Protection
Cordyceps contains sterols (such as ergosterol) and bioactive peptides that have beneficial effects on heart and liver health.
❤️ Cardioprotective Effects – Cordyceps has been found to lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce cholesterol, making it useful for heart disease prevention.
🩸 Liver Function Support – Traditional and modern studies suggest Cordyceps can protect the liver from fibrosis and toxin-induced damage, potentially benefiting people with hepatitis and fatty liver disease.
