Caring for Organic Jewelry

A few things one might want to avoid when it comes to organic jewelery, particularly wood or tusk items:

Water can cause swelling and cracking in organics. It would be best to take plugs out before bathing, showering, or swimming. When cleaning organics, use a light grade natural oil - jojoba works best - instead of water. It is best to avoid oils such as olive and almond as they can go rancid on the jewelry over time.

Cleaning products or chemicals can be very hard on organics. Even mild soaps can be more trouble than they are worth. Natural products such as tea tree oil can be tough on such materials too. Generally, a well healed piercing will not need to be completely sterile, so this shouldn't be a issue. Organics tend to be far cleaner than metals or other synthetics anyhow, as the piercing is able to 'breathe'.





Piercings that are not completely healed are not the best place for organics. Most of the benefits of organic jewelry are likely to cause problems in an unhealed piercing. Many tribal cultures use organics from the time of the initial piercing, but one must understand these people have a very different, closer relationship with nature than many of us. If you choose to use organics in fresh or newer piercings, do so at your own risk, and bear in mind there are indeed risks.

Dropping or biting organics can be rather hard on them (obviously). Pets such as parrots and rodents are often fascinated by jewelry, and well equipped to do some severe damage to the jewelry and the flesh surrounding them. Keep this in mind if you own such critters. Even dogs and cats are more than capable or ruining that new set of tunnels you bought...

 

Hardwood Jewelry Care - Waxing

 
Waxing can come in handy for other organics too. It can help to maintain even color on jewelry made of bone or ivory.

I normally work with beeswax and caranuba wax myself. All my plugs are waxed before I send them off, unless otherwise requested. I use pure organic beeswax and/or caranuba wax for most materials. A snow-white refined beeswax, or caranuba wax can come in handy for stuff with delicate colored materials such as holly or ivory when you don't want to darken them too much. If you cannot find any of these, I offer several different waxes for sale.

To prepare, clean the jewelry with a dry, clean, lint-free cloth or rag. DO NOT USE WATER. If you need to use anything to help remove any stubborn dirt, a light natural oil such jojoba works well. Be sure the jewelry is free of dirt and excess oil before continuing.

You need enough wax to cover the plug when melted in an appropriate container. A miniature skillet or microwave safe bowl works well. Heat the wax until completely melted by stove top or microwave at a medium heat, checking often to see when it is ready to use. Heat the wax just long enough for it to melt, don't heat it any longer than you have to. Place the container on a heat-proof surface.

Lower the plugs into the wax gently using tweezers or tongs. The jewelery may turn white in places when the wax first hits it. This will fade as the jewelry warms to the wax. You may notice small bubbles forming, this is normal, the wax is penetrating the surface of the jewelry. Counting about 45 seconds from this point, flip the jewelry over to allow the wax to penetrate both sides evenly. Wait another 45 seconds, then remove the jewelry using the tongs or tweezers. Set on a surface it won't adhere to and allow it to cool. The lids from yogurt containers work well in a pinch, just make sure they are clean.

After the jewelry has cooled, use your fingernail to carefully scrape away any excess wax. Buff the piece with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth or rag.

Waxing can be done every 10 - 30 days as needed. If the wood looks a lot lighter than it did when you purchased it, and very dry, it may be time for another waxing. The more often you wax, the better things will look later on. Sooner rather than later is the best plan.

 

Horn, Tusk, Bone & Antler Jewelry Care - Oiling

 
Moisture can be very hard on items made of horn/buffalo tusk. Avoid bathing, swimming, or showering without removing such jewelry first, and not replacing it until the area is fully dry. Even sweat and your body's moisture can cause splitting and cracking over time, as can changes in weather, climate or seasons.

A good way to keep horn or tusk items in good shape is by coating them in a good quality natural hoof oil, then leaving them to sit for 5 or 10 minutes before wiping the excess off. This should be done every week or 2. You can purchase hoof oil at most tack shops.

Bone or antler items do not require much care beyond avoiding excess amounts of water like most other organics. However, they do color with age as they are worn,and do not always color evenly. Using a wax to treat them can keep them an even, uniform tone over time. Follow the instructions for waxing hardwoods.