How Do I Properly Care for a Ring Combining Wood and Tungsten?
A wood and tungsten ring is built to last, but the wood inlay needs a bit more attention than the metal core alone. Here's how to keep your ring looking its best for years of daily wear.
Understand the Two Materials You're Caring For
Tungsten carbide is one of the hardest metals used in fine jewelry, so the metal core itself needs almost no maintenance. The wood inlay is the part that requires care. It's sealed to resist moisture and everyday wear, but that seal can wear down over time with the wrong kind of exposure.
What to Avoid
Water Exposure Even though the wood is sealed, prolonged or repeated water exposure can gradually affect it over time. Remove your ring before swimming, showering, washing dishes, or any activity involving extended water contact.
Chemical Exposure Household cleaning products, hand sanitizers, lotions, and perfumes can affect the sealant protecting the wood. Apply lotions, perfumes, and sanitizers before putting your ring on rather than after, and avoid direct contact with cleaning chemicals.
Extreme Sun and Heat Prolonged direct sunlight or extreme heat can cause natural wood to dry out or fade slightly over time. Avoid leaving your ring on a sunny windowsill or in a hot car for extended periods.
Heavy Impact Tungsten carbide is highly scratch-resistant but less flexible than gold or silver, which means it can crack under a sharp, direct impact rather than dent. Remove your ring during high-impact activities like weightlifting, contact sports, or manual labor involving tools or machinery.
How to Clean Your Ring
- Wipe your ring gently with a soft, dry cloth after wearing it, especially at the end of the day
- If needed, use a slightly damp cloth to remove dirt or residue, then dry immediately
- Avoid soaking your ring in water or cleaning solutions
- Never use ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, steam cleaners, or abrasive polishing compounds, these can damage the wood inlay and its protective seal
- Skip harsh chemical jewelry cleaners, which are formulated for metals and gemstones, not sealed wood
Proper Storage
When you're not wearing your ring, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A soft jewelry pouch or lined ring box helps prevent scratching from contact with other jewelry. Avoid storing your ring in humid environments like a bathroom, where moisture in the air can affect the wood over time.
Natural Variation Is Normal, Not a Defect
Because the wood inlay is genuine, slight variations in grain, color, and pattern are completely normal. Over time, you may notice subtle changes in the wood's tone due to natural aging, this is a normal characteristic of real wood, not a sign of damage.
When to Remove Your Ring
As a general rule, take your ring off during:
- Swimming or bathing
- Heavy cleaning or work involving chemicals
- Weightlifting or contact sports
- Manual labor involving tools or machinery
A Ring Built to Last, With a Little Care
With reasonable care, a wood and tungsten ring like The Puakoa or The Hornbarrel will hold its beauty and durability for years of daily wear. A few simple habits go a long way toward preserving both the strength of the tungsten and the natural character of the wood.
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