Wooden Rings Guide
Is A Wooden Ring Right For You?
A wooden ring is potentially a good choice for anyone seeking to incorporate organic beauty into their ring. The great variation in color and grain pattern between wood species (and even among the same species!) is enough to make one seriously consider wearing a piece of wood on their finger.
However, there are some drawbacks that should be considered before deciding to include wood in your ring. We list some of the pros and cons of wood rings below, mostly from the perspective of Casavir rings, but the same applies to most quality-made wooden rings.
PROS
- Choosing a wooden ring can be an eco-friendly choice, particularly when made from a tree branch, scrap wood, and recycled precious metals.
- As mentioned above, there is an amazing variety of wood types to choose from, with all sorts of grain patterns and colors.
- Having the option to incorporate your own piece of wood into a Casavir design adds a meaningful touch, particularly if the wood is sourced from a tree or item that holds a special place in your heart.
- Many of the wooden rings being sold as wedding bands or engagement rings are handmade by skilled craftsman, so you can be fairly certain you are getting something that is created with a high quality of workmanship.
CONS
- While rings made entirely of wood have become more viable in recent years (due to new techniques in manufacturing them, i.e., bentwood rings), the obvious downside to an all-wood ring is the added care that must be given to ensure that it lasts for many years.
- Not quite as much care is needed when wearing a ring that has the wood inlaid into a metal core, but any jewelry that incorporates an organic materiel should be treated with extra care. Activities that could potentially damage the protective finish, such as weight lifting or rock climbing, should be done without the ring on your finger (this is true for all types of rings).
- Cannot be resized. If you foresee the need for future resizing, then a wooden ring may not be a good choice. Slight adjustments to bentwood rings can sometimes be made to size up or down by 1/4 to 1/2 size, but metal rings inlaid with wood cannot be adjusted.
Quick FAQ:
- What wood is best for rings?
Bentwood rings should be made from a hardwood. Softwoods, and some types of burl woods, are not strong enough to be made into an all-wood ring. Metal & wood rings can be made from practically any type of wood because their strength comes from their metal core.
- Can wooden rings get wet?
Yes, so long as they are finished with a waterproof coating. Both our bentwood rings and metal/wood rings are waterproof, so long as the finish hasn’t been compromised to expose the wood beneath.
- Do wooden rings last?
Wooden rings can last a very long time if properly cared for. More info below.
- Are wooden rings safe?
Wooden rings are hypoallergenic. They are low in electrical conductivity, and may be considered a good alternative for anyone who works around electrical currents.
How To Choose A Wood Ring
So you have decided to include a piece of wood in your ring. The next step is choosing whether you’d like a metal ring that is inlaid with wood, or an all-wood ring. We’ve outlined a few key differences between the two below:
Metal & Wood Rings
The metals that we use in our metal and wood rings is primarily titanium and 14k white, yellow, or rose gold. The wood is added by inlaying it into a metal ring and then sealing it with a tough waterproof finish.
The metal gives the ring added strength, while also allowing for a wider range of design choices. This is especially the case with gold and wood rings, where the metal can be cast into shape.
This type of ring can withstand tougher treatment than bentwood rings. This is not only due to the metal core, but also because the finish that protects the wood is more robust than the acrylic finish that is used on most bentwood rings.
Bentwood Rings
If you are looking to purchase an all-wood ring, it’s best to choose a bentwood ring. This is because they are significantly stronger than rings cut from a block of wood.
With proper care, bentwood rings can withstand the test of time, whereas blockwood rings can usually be broken with a hard squeeze.
Most bentwood rings are coated with an acrylic finish. This type of finish isn’t as robust as the finish that is applied to our metal and wood rings. Bentwood rings need to be refinished periodically, with most maker’s offering this service free of charge, or for a small fee.
An example of a bentwood ring, made with ebony wood and red jasper.
Both types of wood ring can be made with inlaid stone. Some bentwood ring makers set faceted stones into a metal setting, and then glue the setting onto the wood ring. A hard knock to the gemstone is enough to break the glue bond.
If you are looking to have a faceted gemstone set in your ring, it is best to choose a metal ring that has wood inlaid into it. Our wooden engagement rings are made this way, and can be created in a number of different styles.
An example of a gold and wood engagement ring
14k white gold, inlaid with afzelia burl wood and set with moissanites
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR WOODEN RING
Wood & Metal Rings
Our metal rings with wood/stone inlays are coated with a high quality finish; the same stuff that is used to protect the wooden hulls of boats.
It is manufactured to withstand constant exposure to the salty seas, while taking a beating! It protects the inlaid materials from the environment, and while it is strong, waterproof, and chemical resistant, some care will be required to ensure that your ring lasts for many years.
The finish is chemical resistant, but continual exposure to strong solvents may weaken it. If you work in an area where solvents (such as paint strippers) are common, you may want to consider removing your ring prior to work. It is also a good idea to remove your ring before engaging in any potentially damaging activities, such as weight lifting, rock climbing, or anything else that may damage the ring.
Bentwood Rings
Bentwood rings are crafted not only for beauty, but also for strength and durability. However, they are made entirely from an organic material, and some care and maintenance will be required to ensure that your ring lasts for many years.
First and foremost, avoid exposing your ring to harsh chemicals and solvents. Hand sanitzer should not be used while wearing your ring, as it contains solvents that will eat away at the finish. Abrasives, such as sandpaper, should also be avoided. It is a good idea to remove your ring prior to operating heavy machinery, lifting weights, or anything else that might put excessive force on the ring.
Your ring is waterproof so long as the finish is maintained. To be on the safe side, we recommend that you remove your ring prior to any prolonged water exposure, such as swimming, showering, washing the dishes, etc.
Our Wooden Rings
We have a large selection of woods that aren’t shown in any of the rings in our shop. Feel free to contact us if you have a specific type in mind.
We love designing rings that incorporate wood, especially wooden engagement rings, as they allow us to merge one of nature’s most ephemeral materials (wood!), with one of nature’s most enduring (diamonds and gemstones!). If you have any questions regarding our wood rings (or wood rings in general), feel free to contact us. Or, shop our wood rings here.
