Coming full circle | The benefits of wearing a cock ring

Velv’Or founder, Jelle Plantenga, speaks to Couple of Secrets about the benefits of wearing a cock ring.

Jelle talks about cock rings with the same fervour of an avid rocker dissecting guitar solos, or a sommelier explaining the subtle differences between two vintages. He doesn’t simply produce cock rings: he knows the genre and he is an avowed believer in wearing a cock ring. Aliki and I learnt more about cock rings in the 45 minutes that it took to interview Jelle than ever before.

One ring to bind them…

How does one come up with the idea of producing cock rings? Jelle’s answer is clear: “Originally, I wanted to create a ring for myself.” He wanted the ultimate cock ring, a comfortable piece that would also be a pleasure to put on and own. He was not entirely satisfied with what the market had to offer. There was always something he wanted to add or change to the design.

One day, back in 2006, that’s exactly what he did. With the help of a blacksmith, a friend of his, he created a cock ring to his own specifications. Satisfied with the result and thrilled with the prospect of giving life to his own creations, Jelle founded Velv’Or. As he put it: “If I am interested in a bespoke cock-ring, I’m sure a few thousand men around the world are too”.

To be completely honest, before discovering Velv’Or and talking to Jelle, I always thought of cock rings as a rather dull sex-toy; mostly a prop for men wanting to maintain an erection. Jelle, though, quickly changed my perception. “The whole subject of cock rings is still taboo amongst many men.” he complains, “People are not informed enough”. I confirm.

The League of Enringed Gentlemen

The biggest revelation for me was that a cock ring is not primarily even a sex toy. More and more men are wearing cock rings all day long, pretty much like any kind of jewellery. Jelle explains that doing so enriches a man’s life in several ways. It puts pressure on the first chakra and is a constant reminder of one’s manhood. He considers wearing a cock ring as beneficial to a man’s health.

During our chat, Jelle casually refers to ‘The League of Enringed Gentlemen’. I’m curious. ‘Extraordinary’ ones I have heard about, ‘Enringed’, not. “That is what I call the owners of a Velv’Or cock ring”, he smiles, proudly. “Many of them come back for more. They have sets of rings, sometimes up to 8, which they wear on different occasions and at different times of the day.”

Wearing a cock ring, it seems, is more than just sex play; it’s of a way of life. Jelle goes into details: some wear the J Nada for sex, or even just to masturbate. Other shapes are meant to give pleasure to your partner too. There are no strict rules. And when you wear an ergonomically comfortable Velv’Or product, all it takes is a little bit of imagination.

Size matters

Does wearing a cock ring all day long mean that you have a constant hard-on? Jelle confirms that this is a common misconception (amongst un-enringed men of course). It probably stems from the term ‘cock ring’ itself, which in many ways is a misnomer.

The smallest ring, which is worn tight at the base of the penis, may be used to maintain an erection for longer. “Blood flows up the penis like a fountain” Jelle explains as his Puggle barks in the distance, “it wells up through the centre and descends along the outer side of the penis.” A tight cock ring at the base restricts the blood from flowing back.

There are other types of rings, though. There are rings that one can wear around the balls and larger rings that encircle the whole package. It is the latter that is mostly worn throughout the day. Although many Enringed Gentlemen do not stick to one ring over 24 hours. In fact, most of Velv’Or’s clients order cock rings in different sizes.

I find this fact perplexing, but Jelle quickly explains that the size of the scrotum and penis vary during the day, as does the level and type of activity of the wearer (ring-bearer?). “You might wear a 50mm ring during the day but perhaps prefer a tighter one during sex.” Some prefer a looser one. The most important thing when wearing a cock ring is to feel good and comfortable.

Coming full circle

Jelle prides himself on producing quality rings. The top of the range is made of platinum, gold, and silver. Why use such precious metals? “First of all I love luxury”, admits Jelle. But there is also another reason: it allows for craftsmanship. Precious metals, it seems, are more adapted to the creation of bespoke items than, say, stainless steel. Velv’Or premium rings are unique, precious pieces of jewellery. Owning a solid gold King JCobra can set you back €110,000!

To create his rings, Jelle combines forces with expert craftsmen. He masterminds the design and then he works with selected silversmiths to create the cock rings. Often it is clients themselves who come up with a request, like this one doctor who wanted a ring that is comfortable for his type of work or a Middle-eastern client who wanted a butt-plug attached to the JNaja.  This is probably what sets Velv’Or aside in the cock ring market: the possibility of codesigning your own, exclusive cock ring. Jelle explained how the King JCobra was first patiently sculpted in wax by a silversmith and then reproduced in metal at the request of a Spanish client.

But you do not need to sell your house to own a Velv’Or ring. Jelle also works with CAD designers to produce 3D printed cock rings that are both affordable and comfortable.  A 3D printed JNaja or JNata costs around €60 and makes for an original gift.

By the time we hung up with Jelle, I was thoroughly convinced that I wanted to wear a cock ring. Aliki was equally enthusiastic. So now I’m eagerly waiting for my next gift!

Photo credit: Velv’Or