What it does
A ring ladder is a stepped upright with a slot on each step, so a row of rings is shown one above another rather than side by side. It puts a range into a narrow footprint and lets every ring be seen from the front.
Velvet on a ring ladder, specifically
Every step on a ladder has a cut edge, and pile hides a cut edge where a smooth material cannot. Velvet also grips the shank enough that rings stay square on their steps when the case is knocked.
Getting the proportion right
Step depth and slot pitch together decide how many rings fit and whether the upper ones shadow the lower. A steeper ladder fits more and shows less; a shallower one shows every ring but takes more case height.
How velvet is applied to a display form
Velvet is glued over the form and the pile has to run the same way on every face, or one side of the same block reads darker than the other. On a curved form it is cut in panels rather than stretched, because pile flattens where it is pulled.
Where it is used
Narrow counter cases and window columns where floor space is tight, and anywhere a graded range has to be read top to bottom.
Velvet under case lighting
Pile absorbs light instead of bouncing it, so a velvet display sinks into the background and the piece on it becomes the brightest thing in the case. It also means the display itself photographs dark, which suits a shop and not a catalogue shot.
The mistake to avoid
A ladder cut for plain bands will not take the same range once a set stone is added — the stone fouls the step above. Cut the steps to the tallest setting in the range, not the average.
Why velvet
Velvet-covered display reads as traditional and formal. The pile absorbs light rather than reflecting it, so the piece on top is the brightest thing in the case.
The pile shows handling and dust. Velvet display belongs behind glass, brushed regularly; on an open counter it ages faster than suede.
What we need from you
| What we need | Why |
|---|---|
| Height and footprint | Step depth and slot pitch together decide how many rings fit and whether the upper ones shadow the lower. |
| Velvet colour | Matched to a Pantone reference or a swatch |
| Velvet on this form | Every step on a ladder has a cut edge, and pile hides a cut edge where a smooth material cannot. |
Frequently asked questions
Can ring ladders be made in our brand colour?
Yes — the velvet is matched to a Pantone reference or a physical swatch, and confirmed on a sample.
What sizes do ring ladders come in?
They are made to your dimensions. Step depth and slot pitch together decide how many rings fit and whether the upper ones shadow the lower. A steeper ladder fits more and shows less; a shallower one shows every ring but takes more case height.
Is velvet a good choice for a ring ladder?
Every step on a ladder has a cut edge, and pile hides a cut edge where a smooth material cannot. Velvet also grips the shank enough that rings stay square on their steps when the case is knocked.
What goes wrong most often with ring ladders?
A ladder cut for plain bands will not take the same range once a set stone is added — the stone fouls the step above. Cut the steps to the tallest setting in the range, not the average.
Can ring ladders be made to match our boxes?
Yes — the same velvet and the same colour across boxes and display, ordered in one run.
Specify your ring ladders
Tell us your case or window height, what the ring ladders have to show, and your brand colour. We’ll send photos of our work and one clear, all-in quote.