How to Care for Wooden Jewellery

Baltic Dew pieces are made from recycled skateboard decks — boards that have been skated, cracked, worn down or retired. Each deck brings its own colour tones and marks, and every piece shows them differently once the wood is cut and shaped.

Every piece is sealed or oiled by hand to protect the wood and keep the colours clear. Wood is not waterproof, and that one fact sits behind almost everything below.

Rings

Rings are the most durable pieces I make — dense skateboard maple, sealed with a hard, glossy protective coating inside and out. They handle daily wear well, but a few habits keep them looking right.

  • Avoid long exposure to water — showers, swimming, washing up.
  • Keep away from hand sanitiser, perfume and strong cleaning products.
  • Take the ring off for anything involving impact, pressure or friction: weights, tools and machinery, DIY, bike repairs, gardening.
  • Store it dry, ideally in the gift box it arrived in, to avoid scratches.
  • If the shine looks tired, refresh it with a gentle polishing compound. T-Cut works well, and any polish made for glossy surfaces will do.

Bracelets

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to water.
  • Avoid alcohol-based sprays, perfume and harsh cleaning products.
  • Wipe gently with a soft cloth when needed.
  • Store somewhere dry when not being worn.

Earrings and pendants

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to water.
  • Avoid alcohol-based sprays, perfume and harsh cleaning products.
  • Wipe gently with a soft cloth when needed.
  • Store somewhere clean and dry when not being worn.
  • Avoid impact or pressure that could damage the wood or the findings.

Ear tunnels and plugs

Wooden plugs and tunnels sit against stretched skin, so they need more care than anything else I make.

  • Keep them completely dry — no showering, swimming or sauna.
  • Do not use alcohol-based products or harsh soaps on them.
  • If the wood starts to feel dry, work in a small amount of jojoba oil and let it absorb fully before wearing.
  • Store in a soft pouch or box, away from dust and scratches.

Hair forks and other accessories

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to water.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaning products.
  • Wipe with a soft cloth when needed.
  • Store somewhere dry when not in use.
  • Avoid force that could bend or snap the wood.

Common questions

Can I wear wooden jewellery in water?

No. Wood takes up water and dries unevenly, which dulls the finish and can lift or crack the surface over time. Take pieces off before showering, swimming or washing up. If something does get wet, dry it with a soft cloth straight away.

What oil should I use on wooden plugs and tunnels?

Jojoba oil. It is the standard choice for wooden body jewellery, it stays stable rather than going rancid, and it is kind to stretched skin. Use it only for topping up dry-looking wood — it is not a finish, so it will not reseal a damaged surface.

Can a wooden ring be resized?

No — wood cannot be stretched or cut down the way metal can. If you ordered the wrong size, I will remake the ring in the correct size once, free of charge, and you only cover the postage. Measure carefully first using the UK ring size chart.

Can a piece be refinished?

Refinishing is not something I offer as standard, but ask — depending on the piece it may be possible. Contact me and I will tell you honestly whether it is worth doing.

What size plug or tunnel should I order?

Sizes are listed in millimetres. If you know your size as a gauge number or an inch fraction, use the ear gauge to mm conversion chart.
Stack of multicolored skateboard decks on a dark surface

How to Care for Your Jewellery

Baltic Dew pieces are made from recycled skateboard decks — boards that have been used, skated, cracked, worn down or retired. Each deck comes with its own colour tones, marks and natural signs of use, and every piece reveals those details differently once the wood is reshaped.

To protect the wood and maintain its appearance, Baltic Dew products are finished using different finishes depending on the product type. Rings are sealed with a durable protective coating, while other products may be finished with skin safe oils or lacquer finishes. These finishes help protect the wood, enhance the colour tones and keep the surface comfortable to wear.

Below are straightforward recommendations to help keep your jewellery and accessories in good condition for as long as possible. Following these simple care instructions will help preserve the finish and appearance of your piece over time.

Rings

These pieces are the most durable in the collection. They are made from dense skateboard maple and sealed with a strong protective coating that helps keep the surface smooth and long-lasting. They handle everyday wear well, but like any handmade item, they benefit from a few simple habits.

Keep in mind:
• Avoid long exposure to water (showers, swimming, washing dishes).
• Keep away from hand sanitisers, perfumes and strong cleaning products.
• Remove the ring during activities involving impact, pressure or friction — lifting weights, using tools or machinery, DIY work, bike repairs or gardening.
• Store in a dry place, ideally in a small box or soft pouch, to help prevent scratches.
• If the surface ever looks tired, refresh the shine with a gentle polishing compound. T-Cut works well, but any polish suitable for glossy surfaces can be used.

Bracelets

These pieces are finished with hardwax oil, which protects the wood while maintaining a natural feel and appearance.

Care tips:
• Avoid prolonged exposure to water.
• Avoid alcohol-based sprays, perfumes and harsh cleaning products.
• Wipe gently with a soft cloth when needed.
• Store in a dry place when not in use.

Earrings and Pendants

Some older pieces are finished with oil, while newer pieces may be finished with lacquer. Both finishes help protect the wood and enhance the natural colour tones.

Care tips:
• Avoid prolonged exposure to water.
• Avoid alcohol-based sprays, perfumes and harsh cleaning products.
• Wipe gently with a soft cloth when needed.
• Store somewhere clean and dry when not in use.
• Avoid unnecessary impact or pressure that could damage the wood or findings.

Ear Tunnels and Plugs

These pieces are finished with a natural oil blend, making them suitable for stretched ears while maintaining the natural feel of the wood.

Important:
• Keep completely dry — avoid showering, swimming and sauna use.
• Do not use alcohol-based products or harsh soaps.
• Reapply a small amount of suitable oil if the wood begins to feel dry. Allow it to absorb fully before wearing.
• Store in a soft pouch or box to protect from dust and scratches.

Hair Forks and Other Accessories

These pieces are finished with lacquer to provide a durable protective surface.

Care tips:
• Avoid prolonged exposure to water.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and cleaning products.
• Wipe with a soft cloth when required.
• Store in a dry place when not in use.
• Avoid excessive force that could damage the wood.