How to Care for Wooden Bead Bracelets
Wood is a living material in the sense that it continues to respond to its environment long after it has been worked. A wooden bead bracelet is not fragile, but it does reward a little understanding. The habits that keep it in good condition are straightforward, and most of them cost nothing.
Water and moisture
Keep your bracelet dry. Wood and water are not natural enemies, but repeated wetting and drying causes timber to expand and contract, which over time can stress the finish, loosen the beads and weaken the cord. Take it off before washing your hands, swimming, or showering. If it gets caught in the rain, dry it gently with a soft cloth rather than leaving it wet.
Lotions, fragrance and chemicals
Put your bracelet on after you have applied any moisturiser, cologne or aftershave. These products are not immediately damaging, but they build up on the surface of the wood over time and can affect the finish. The same applies to household cleaning products and chlorine. The microcrystalline wax finish on every bead in the Heartwood collection is durable, but it is not impervious to prolonged chemical exposure.
Cleaning
A dry lint free cloth is all you need. Wipe the beads after wearing to remove skin oils and dust before they accumulate. If something more stubborn needs attention, a barely damp cloth is sufficient. Do not soak the bracelet or use chemical cleaners or polishes. The wax finish needs nothing added to it.
Storage
Store your bracelet in the gift box it arrived in, away from direct sunlight and heat. Prolonged sun exposure can cause timber to fade and dry out. A warm windowsill or a hot car are both harder on wood than most people expect. A cool, dry place with the lid on is all it needs.
Keep it separate from other jewellery where possible. Harder stones can scratch a wax finish if they are rattling around together in a drawer.
Wear it
This is genuinely part of the care advice. Wood that is handled regularly develops a patina over time. The natural oils from your skin work into the surface and deepen the finish in a way that cannot be replicated artificially. A bracelet worn daily will look better in a year than it does now. Don't just leave it in the dark.
A note on the finish
Every bead in the Heartwood collection is finished with three coats of microcrystalline wax, the same conservation grade wax used to protect objects in museum collections. It creates a smooth, satin surface that is resistant to handling and light moisture. It does not need reapplying under normal conditions.
Repair rather than replace
The elastic on any bracelet worn daily will eventually stretch and need replacing. When that happens, send it back to us. The beads are the value, and a bracelet made from rare British hardwood and finished to this standard is worth keeping. We'll restring it and return it to you.
That's part of the service, not an afterthought.
