Wooden Rings: Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Wooden rings are not the usual first choice, but they are slowly making waves in the world of bridal set rings. And why not? These rings always look sleek and stylish. Most people think the wooden texture is off-putting. More so, because it is the opposite of what is customary. However, when done right, a wooden ring may just tickle your fancy.

These rings may not be conventional, but their contemporary feel will have you wondering why you ever considered only metal rings in the first place. If you’re planning to consider something new and unique for a wedding ring, these pieces may just be your best bet. However, if this is your first outing in looking for one, you need not worry. This article covers just about everything you need to know about wooden rings.

Do Wooden Rings Last?

Let’s address the elephant in the room. To be honest, metal rings score higher in the durability department simply because the metal is a lot sturdier than wood. However, wooden rings do have a lasting quality, but it is influenced by several factors.

What Factors Affect Wood Rings’ Durability?

These different elements contribute to how long a wooden ring will last. Fortunately, almost all of them are manageable.

Construction

There are various methods employed in the making of wooden rings. Only the best practices guarantee durability.

Finish

The final touch adds a lot of protection to the ring. Natural finishes work much better with wooden rings.

Handling

Last but not least is how you take care of the ring. This final factor no longer depends on the manufacturer, but on you. 

What is the Best Wood to Make a Ring?

 

Ideal woods for crafting wood rings are hardwood. Some of the best ones are oak, hickory, birch, maple, aspen, cherry, apple-wood, dogwood, poplar, walnut, eucalyptus, and elm. Brazil-wood, Madagascar Ebony, Rosewood, sandalwood, or Spanish Cedar, and Mahogany also make beautiful and sturdy wood rings. However, these woods are facing extinction, which can be off-putting to the environment-conscious. Fortunately, there are rings made from these endangered woods sourced through sustainable means, meaning there is no tree-cutting involved, and the manufacturer only utilizes fallen branches.

All of these woods have something special about them, characterized by specific grain designs. 

How Thick Should a Wooden Ring Be?

Rings, in general,  are typically about 1.5 millimeters (mm) thick. It is a reasonable width for daily use. For metal rings, anything less than this thickness is still acceptable. Although it is likely to be less durable and might undergo shape changes as time passes by. However, 1.5 mm wood rings are categorized as thin. Therefore, rings with less thickness are disadvantageous in this case. Two mm rings are standard, so this is the size that people typically go for, while 2. 5 mm rings are branded thick. Some ring makers offer thicker options.  

Now that we have dealt with some of the most popular questions regarding wood rings, let us talk about their benefits and drawbacks.

The Pros and Cons of Wooden Rings

Why Should You Get a Wooden Ring?

Aside from being green, wooden rings are enchanting. Wedding hardwood rings come in different designs, and they are never dull. Some of the best models are colorful inlay designs, braided patterns, and plain solid wood rings. Here are some of the best reasons these rings are earning their fair share of the spotlight.

1. Wooden Rings are durable.

   Why would you buy a ring with poor quality, especially for something as meaningful as an engagement or wedding ring? No one wants something that will deteriorate in a few years of daily use. As mentioned earlier, even if metal rings surpass them, wooden rings do have a lasting quality. The organic materials can keep up with the daily beating and prevail against wear and tear for a long time. Most of these materials do not scratch, bend, or break easily. That being said, your wood rings will last as long as metal rings when adequately cared for.

2. Wooden Rings are budget-friendly.

   Face it. Weddings are expensive. Somehow, going over the budget with your wedding ring can throw your whole wedding plan out of whack. If you want to get an affordable pair of wedding rings, it is totally understandable. Prices vary, depending on where you get them, but you can get a beautiful inlay ring for a little over $50. More detailed rings cost about $100 or so. These prices will have you reeling on why you never entertained wood rings right away. You get a unique, gorgeous, and significant ring set for half the price of metal rings. 

3.  Wooden Rings are low-maintenance.

   Typical traditional rings need regular upkeep. If you think a solid metal ring won’t require constant polishing and overall maintenance, you thought wrong. All metal rings need specific aftercare to have them looking spiffy. Otherwise, the ring will become dull over time, or worse, rust will progressively worsen its appearance. Wooden rings, on the other hand, are not prone to rusting or scratches. In fact, any physical changs your ring undergoes will seamlessly blend with the ring, which surprisingly improves its overall look. Even your body’s natural oils can enhance its color. Like wine, wooden rings get better with age.

4. Wooden Rings are hypoallergenic.

   Wood rings for her are an excellent present for your partner, who is allergic to metal. They are typically hypoallergenic. However, you need to find out its finish. Some finishes can elicit hypersensitivity reactions. Natural oils, however, like linseed oil, are generally safe. If not as a wedding band, these rings are perfect additions to your jewelry collection.

5. Wooden rings are stylish.
   

    

   

   These days, wooden rings are widely welcomed. Gone are the days of finding wooden rings unorthodox and bohemian because today, natural wood rings are now contemporary pieces of jewelry and definite must-haves. When you choose a wooden ring for your wedding band, you are taking a fashionable step into making your wedding more unique. Why? Hand-carved wood rings are incomparable. The material alone can’t be replicated, what with the one-of-a-kind grain design woods have.

   Moreover, you can customize the rings by adding engravings. You won’t be able to find a wedding ring set that looks like yours and your future spouse’s. The same sentiment can’t be said of traditional metal rings.

6. Wooden rings are safer to use.

   Okay, metal rings are not dangerous in the broadest sense. However, wooden rings are poor conductors of heat and electricity. So, it is best to look for a wood rings for men if your partner is handy with electricity in his job. Additionally, those who are wary about the potential perils of metal rings will definitely appreciate the safety wooden rings offer.

7.  Wooden rings are better for the environment.

   Gold and other mined metals have high environmental costs. To give you an idea of how this act affects the world we live in, an ounce of mined gold results in more than 20 tons of waste. Every place on the planet is affected by the waste product and carbon footprint that comes from extracting these metals.  By this definition, wood rings have the lowest impact on the environment. However, you need to steer clear of endangered woods because it defeats the idea of branding wood rings eco-friendly.

   

Of course, as there are pros, there are also cons that come with using wooden rings. These are:

• The biggest drawback to these gorgeous rings is that you will need to take good care of them for years and years to come. Without proper care, the rings will deteriorate sooner than later. We have included a guide on how to care for them below.

• Next is that wooden wedding rings are not resizable. So if your fingers bloat for some reason (such as pregnancy), you can’t send the ring back to be resized. You will have to get a whole new ring, which honestly, would not set you back more than a few bucks. However, some people prefer to hold on to something with sentimental value forever.

• The ethical advantages of wooden rings are negated not only if endangered woods are used, but also when metals, diamonds,  and other gemstones are added to them. Unless, of course, these additions came from environmentally sound sources.

Essential Guide to Caring for Your Wooden Rings

To help you better care for your rings, we have summarized some of the best ways to maintain your wooden ring properly. Wood rings craft by experts are always in an excellent state. However, as established earlier on, you need to do your part in revitalizing the wood and making it last a lifetime:

So, can wood rings get wet? Wooden rings can tolerate running water when you wash your hands because they are water-resistant. However, they are not waterproof, so refrain from soaking them while taking steam baths, regular baths, or swimming. Don’t expect the ring to deteriorate when you do any of these activities. That’s not how it works, but it may do a number on the lasting quality of the ring.

Wooden rings are durable, but they are still made of wood. They need proper care, especially when you notice them getting a bit dry. For the most part, oiling your ring is not necessary, because your finger already has natural oils to get the job done. However, you could wipe it with olive or almond oil for that lovely shine and vibrancy.

Avoid leaving wooden rings in humid and hot areas. Direct sunlight can also tamper the ring, so be careful where you leave them lying around.

Wooden rings are not as eternal as metal bands, but they are one-of-a-kind and enthralling to look at. Also, by knowing how to take care of them properly, you can prolong their life and who knows? They may be able to last just as long as metal rings.

DIY: How to Make Wood Rings

If you want to add more sentimentality to the ring, there is no reason why you can’t take a swing at making one. Below are some necessary steps in creating your custom wood rings:

1. The first step includes choosing the wood.  Opt for dense and sturdy wood that can support any width.
2. Measure before cutting the ring blanks. Measurements should have an allowance for the sanding process.
3. Use a drill to create a hole smaller than desired. Don’t’ t rush this process to avoid snapping the wood in half.  The trick is to go slow and light.
4. Dremel tools are ideal for sanding down the hole to the right size (your finger or whoever is receiving the ring).
5. Draw on the desired ring shape. Then, cut the outer diameter of the ring and remove only the corners.
6. Sand away to get the right shape. Again, slow and steady wins the race here. You need to check regularly if you are anywhere near the line you have sketched.
7. You could temper the ring using a heat source. Should you decide to do so, you might want to adjust the sizing because heating shrinks the ring.  If not, you could continue sanding and add the finishing touches by coating the ring with oil.

There you have it. You have a handmade ring that you can wear with pride or hand as a present to someone special.

Are Wood Rings Right for You?

Wooden Rings are not only hip. They are gorgeous with beautiful and rich colors and distinctive grain designs. They make stunning wedding ring sets or extraordinary presents. You also get plenty of wood choices to select from, which heightens its sentimental value. And let us not forget that if you choose the right wood ring, you are also doing Mother Nature a favor. For those who are not afraid of standing out, unique wooden rings are definitely for you.