Caring for Wood Jewelry

A timeless jewelry trend worldwide, and one that has been gaining popularity in the US recently, is jewelry that has been made from various types of wood (natural or dyed) and then polished to a smooth, lustrous finish.  You can find wooden hoop earrings, pendants, rings and bangle bracelets in a variety of styles and colors this year. This type of jewelry needs special cleaning care, so it is important that you take care of the wood properly to preserve the finish.

On thing for sure is you never want to get jewelry made from wood sopping wet so always remove your wood jewelry before bathing, showering, and swimming. If you wear wooden rings, remove them before doing the dishes or washing your hands.

If your wooden jewelry pieces get dusty or dirty, you will want to wipe them down with a slightly damped soft cotton cloth and dry them thoroughly.  Once they are dry you can polish them with a soft cloth and a little mineral or olive oil to restore the luster to the wood.

When using a commercial jewelry cleaner on your wooden jewelry pieces take care to purchase one that is specifically made for wooden jewelry as harsh chemicals and water will ruin your piece's finish.  Once a wooden jewelry item has been ruined, it usually cannot be repaired to the original finish.

Enjoying beautiful wooden jewelry from all around the world can be a great way to express your sense of style and creativity.  Just be sure you know what materials you are working with when caring for your jewelry. A mistake can have tragic results. If you are unsure, testing a tiny area in an inconspicuous space may be the answer. Any discolorations or changes to the piece will mean that the cleaner is not right for your wooden jewelry. If this is the case, use a soft, dry, untreated polishing cloth on your wood jewelry to keep it dirt and dust free so you can enjoy the lasting beauty of your wood jewelry.

by Jasmine Yesak, Contributing Editor at ChasingTreasure.com, online retailer of quality jewelry boxes, jewelry organizers and watch boxes. Jasmine is a Jewelry Enthusiast and Organization Consultant, she writes about Jewelry Care and Jewelry Storage Tips.