Care Instructions
How to Care for Your Wood Inlay Tungsten Ring
Your wood inlay tungsten ring combines two of the most distinctive materials in fine jewelry: a tungsten carbide core built to resist scratching and warping, and a genuine wood inlay that adds natural warmth and character. While tungsten carbide is remarkably durable, the wood inlay requires a bit more care to keep it looking its best for years to come. Here's how to protect your ring and keep it looking as good as the day it arrived.
Everyday Wear
Tungsten carbide is one of the hardest metals used in fine jewelry, so your ring can comfortably handle daily wear, including work, errands, and everyday activities. That said, the wood inlay is more delicate than the metal surrounding it, so a few simple habits will help preserve its appearance over time.
What to Avoid
Water Exposure
While your wood inlay is sealed to resist moisture, prolonged or repeated water exposure can gradually affect the wood over time. We recommend removing your ring before:
- Swimming (pools, oceans, or lakes)
- Showering or bathing
- Washing dishes or doing household cleaning
- Any activity involving prolonged water submersion
Chemical Exposure
Household chemicals, cleaning products, hand sanitizers, lotions, and perfumes can affect the sealant protecting your wood inlay. Try to apply lotions, perfumes, and sanitizers before putting your ring on, rather than after, and avoid direct contact between your ring and cleaning chemicals.
Extreme Temperatures and Sun Exposure
Prolonged direct sunlight or exposure to 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
While tungsten carbide is highly scratch-resistant, it is also a harder, less flexible metal than gold or silver, which means it can be more prone to cracking under a sharp, direct impact (such as being dropped on a hard surface or struck against a hard object). We recommend removing your ring during high-impact activities like weightlifting, contact sports, or heavy manual labor involving tools and machinery.
Cleaning Your Ring
Keeping your ring clean is simple:
- 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 with a soft cloth
- Avoid soaking your ring in water or cleaning solutions
- Never use ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, steam cleaners, or abrasive polishing compounds, as these can damage the wood inlay and its protective seal
- Avoid harsh chemical jewelry cleaners, as these are formulated for traditional metals and gemstones, not sealed wood inlays
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 works well to prevent your ring from coming into contact with other jewelry that could cause surface scratching. Avoid storing your ring in humid environments, such as a bathroom, where moisture in the air can affect the wood over time.
Natural Variation Is Normal
Because every wood inlay is genuine, natural wood, slight variations in grain, color, and pattern are completely normal and part of what makes each ring one of a kind. Over time, you may notice subtle changes in the wood's tone due to natural aging, this is a normal characteristic of real wood and not a defect.
When to Remove Your Ring
As a general guideline, we recommend removing your ring during:
- Swimming or bathing
- Heavy cleaning or work involving chemicals
- Weightlifting or contact sports
- Manual labor involving tools or machinery
- Sleeping, if you prefer extra precaution
A Ring Built to Last, With a Little Care
With reasonable care, your wood inlay tungsten ring is designed to maintain its beauty and durability for years of daily wear. Following these simple guidelines will help preserve both the strength of the tungsten carbide and the natural character of the wood inlay, so your ring continues to look as striking as the day you first wore it.
If you have any questions about caring for your specific ring, feel free to reach out through our Contact Us page.