Exploring Exotic Woods in Wood Rings
It all begins with an idea.
Hello friends,
One of the joys of creating jewelry in my studio is exploring how natural materials like exotic woods can be combined with precious metals to craft something truly unique. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a wide range of stunning wood inlays, and each type has its own character, color, and charm. These woods, set in white gold, yellow gold, or silver, aren’t just beautiful—they’re also suitable for everyday wear with a little mindful care.
Here’s a glimpse at some of my favorite wood stocks I work with:
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Cocobolo: Known for its deep reddish-brown color with darker streaks, Cocobolo is dense, durable, and visually striking. It brings warmth and richness to any ring.
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Bocote: With bold, contrasting grain patterns in yellow, brown, and black, Bocote has a dramatic look that really pops against precious metals.
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Honduras Rosewood: Smooth and luxurious, this wood has a rich reddish-brown tone and natural luster, making it perfect for elegant, timeless designs.
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Manitoba Maple Burl: Its swirling, unpredictable patterns make every piece unique. The light, creamy tones with darker accents give a soft yet intriguing look.
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Chechen Wood: Known for its golden-brown color with darker streaks, chechen is tough and dense, giving rings a refined, earthy elegance.
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Marble Ebony: Deep black with subtle streaks of gray or brown, marble ebony adds a modern, sophisticated touch to rings.
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Pink Ivory: Vibrant and rare, pink ivory is a striking pale pink to reddish hue that’s both bold and delicate at the same time.
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Bubinga Wood: A reddish-brown wood with fine grain, bubinga is highly durable and offers a classic, warm appearance.
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Olive Wood: Its creamy tones with intricate swirls and dark veins evoke the Mediterranean landscape, adding an organic, earthy charm.
While these woods are beautiful and durable, keeping your rings in the best condition is important. Wood inlays can be affected by prolonged exposure to water, sanitizers, or harsh detergents. I always recommend removing your ring when washing dishes, handling cleaning chemicals, or using hand sanitizers frequently. This simple habit will ensure your rings maintain their natural luster and beautiful finish for years to come.
Combining exotic wood with metals like white gold, yellow gold, and silver allows me to create rings that are both timeless and wearable every day. Each ring is a small story—a fusion of nature’s beauty with craftsmanship that lasts.