Wooden rings have emerged as a stylish and eco-friendly alternative to traditional precious metals. However, many potential buyers wonder about their durability. Are wood rings as durable and long-lasting as their metallic counterparts? Let’s outline the factors that influence the lifespan of wooden rings, explore their vulnerabilities, and provide practical tips for preserving their beauty.

Wood Wedding Bands from Jewelry by Johan

Wood rings are colorful, eye-catching and affordable, but are they durable?


How long do wooden rings last?

When crafted with care and quality materials, wooden rings can be remarkably durable. The lifespan of a wooden ring depends on various factors, including the type of wood used, the quality of the craftsmanship, and proper care. Jewelry by Johan is dedicated to producing wood rings and wooden wedding bands that are both aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting. Our rings are constructed from premium hardwoods known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear.

We’re committed to providing our customers with high-quality wooden rings that are designed to withstand the test of time. While we cannot guarantee an infinite lifespan, our rings are made using premium materials and advanced techniques to ensure maximum durability. As per our Guarantee, we stand behind our products and offer lifetime services like cleaning, refinishing, and Ring Armor repair on all of our wood rings to help you retain your item’s original beauty for years to come.

Vulnerabilities and Cautions

While wooden rings are durable, they do have their vulnerabilities. It's essential to be aware of the following factors that can affect their lifespan:

  • Abrasions: Rough surfaces or contact with abrasive materials can cause scratches or gouges on the wood.

  • Water Damage: Prolonged exposure to water can lead to swelling, warping, or even delamination.

  • Delamination: This occurs when the layers of wood separate, often due to improper drying or excessive moisture.

  • Dryness: Over time, wooden rings can become dry and brittle, increasing their susceptibility to cracking.

Avoid Abrasive Activities While Wearing a Wood Ring

To protect your wooden ring from damage, avoid wearing it during activities that involve rough surfaces or abrasive materials, such as:

  • Rock climbing

  • Heavy manual labor

  • Contact sports

Engaging in these activities while wearing your ring can cause scratches, gouges, or even fractures in the wood. Whether you wear a wood ring or a more traditional metal ring, we always recommend removing jewelry if you plan to participate in these types of activities.

Water Submersion and Exposure

While wooden rings can add a touch of natural elegance to your everyday style, remember to avoid prolonged submersion or exposure to water. Accidental splashes are generally okay, but water can still penetrate the wood, causing it to swell or warp.

Practical Tips:

  • Remove before you dive in: Take off your wooden ring before swimming, showering, or washing dishes.

  • Dedicate time to dry thoroughly: If your wooden ring does get wet, dry it immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water damage.

Enhanced Durability of Wooden Rings

Jewelry by Johan takes pride in crafting wooden rings that are both stunningly beautiful and remarkably durable. This level of excellence is achieved through a combination of premium materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and innovative techniques.

Wood, meteorite, dino bone, and a guitar string come together in a durable andexciting wedding band design (SKU: 5166).

Colorful oak wood and blue box elder burl are accented by dinosaur bone on this custom wood ring (SKU: 5166).

The Importance of Metal Edges on Wood Rings

What sets our rings apart is the incorporation of metal edges. These edges not only add a touch of sophistication but also act as a protective barrier, shielding the delicate wood core from scratches, dings, and everyday wear and tear.

Purple (SKU: 4337) and green (SKU: 3190) box elder burl wood rings with dino and meteorite have titanium edges, which protect the inlays.

These mountain profile wedding bands (SKU: 2191) are made with aspen wood and are protected with titanium edges for durability.

Quality Craftsmanship and Inlay Techniques

Jewelry by Johan utilizes time-tested methods and meticulous attention to detail at every stage of the crafting process. Our inlay technique places contrasting wood species or other materials within the ring's design, adding an additional layer of strength and stability to the overall structure.

Sealing the Wood

To further protect your wood ring, Jewelry by Johan employs a multi-step sealing process. Using specialized, high-quality sealants that penetrate deep into the wood fibers, we create a custom barrier against moisture, dirt, and other potential hazards. The final result is a stunning and durable ring that will stand the test of time.

The coated aspen wood in this engagement ring keeps it protected from most chemicals and abrasions (SKU: 2418).

Inside and out, this bocote wood wedding band is protected with Jewelry by Johan's Ring Armor Waterproofing (SKU: 2218).

Proper Wooden Ring Care for Lifetime Durability

While wood is naturally durable, it's still important to protect your ring from the elements and everyday wear and tear. A simple care regimen can make a world of difference:  

  • Regular Cleaning: Wipe your ring with a soft, dry cloth regularly to remove dirt and oils. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.  

  • Occasional Conditioning: Apply a natural oil (like linseed oil or tung oil) or a specialized wood ring conditioner every few months to moisturize the wood and maintain its luster.

  • Mindful Wearing: Remove your ring before engaging in activities that could expose it to excessive moisture, harsh chemicals, or impact. This includes showering, swimming, gardening, or heavy lifting.

Chemical Exposure Caution

Wooden rings may be finished to resist water and everyday wear, but harsh chemicals can still damage their protective coating and the wood itself.  

To protect your ring, it's best to:

  • Remove your ring: Take off your ring before handling any harsh chemicals, such as bleach, ammonia, or strong detergents.

  • Wear gloves: If removing your ring is not feasible, wear protective gloves while using cleaning products or other chemicals.

  • Be mindful of cosmetics: Some lotions, perfumes, and hair sprays contain chemicals that can affect the finish of your ring.

Apply these products before putting on your ring, or allow them to dry completely before wearing your ring.

Refinishing Services

Even with proper care, wooden rings may eventually develop scratches or lose their luster. In such cases, refinishing services can help restore your ring to its original beauty. Many jewelers offer refinishing options, including repolishing, re-sealing, and even inlay repair. By investing in refinishing, you can extend the lifespan of your wooden wedding ring and continue to enjoy its timeless elegance.

Hand-Crafted Wooden Rings with Durability in Mind

At Jewelry by Johan, we specialize in creating custom and personalized wooden rings that are as unique as the individuals who wear them. Our hand-crafted rings are a testament to the beauty and versatility of natural wood, like Koa wood, offering a level of craftsmanship and quality that sets them apart.

When you choose a wooden ring from Jewelry by Johan, you're not just selecting a piece of jewelry; you're inheriting a one-of-a-kind creation that reflects your personal style and unique love story. We offer a wide range of customization options, allowing you to select the perfect wood species, metal accents, and design elements to create a truly unique ring.

Some of our most popular material pairings include:

Walnut and White Gold:

A striking contrast between the warm tones of the walnut and the delicate gold hue of the white gold.


Maple and Yellow Gold:

The light, swirling maple is beautifully complemented by the classic elegance of yellow gold.


Ebony and Titanium:

Ebony and Titanium Ring

A mysterious and sophisticated vibe, with the deep black of the ebony contrasting with the bright, reflective sheen of the titanium.


Redwood and Meteorite:

Each piece of redwood and meteorite has its own distinct grain pattern and texture – and just like your love story, no two rings will be exactly alike.


Create Your Wood Ring With Us

Wooden rings can be incredibly durable and long-lasting when crafted with care and attention to detail. By understanding the factors that influence their lifespan and taking proper care of your ring, you can enjoy its beauty for many years to come.

Choosing a wooden ring is not only a stylish choice but also a way to connect with nature and embrace a sustainable lifestyle. With their unique textures, warm tones, and personalized designs, wooden rings offer a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Contact our team of craftsman jewelers to create your own delightfully unique and durable wood ring today.