ORGANICS

Organics - Wood, Bone, Horn, Ivory & Stone The dictionary defines the word organic to mean objects that are “of, relating to, or derived from living organisms”. Body jewelry that fits under this term would include wood, bone, horn and ivory. It also tends to include rock/stone, even though it doesn’t technically qualify under the definition. Each of these materials can come in many different varieties, but the primary connection is that they all come naturally from the earth. Almost all jewelry made from these materials will come in the form of plugs, earlets, eyelets or claws – jewelry that is designed for stretched piercing holes, usually the ear lobes.

Wood Body jewelry made of wood has great versatility. It is lightweight, so even a largely stretched piercing can be accommodated without discomfort. Wood comes in a variety of colors and hardness, depending on the source, which can be anything from the reedy bamboo to the rock-solid ebony.

There are, however, some cautions that should be taken regarding body jewelry made of wood. Although most raw woods are relatively safe, there are some that could be considered toxic when brought into contact with the skin, especially for a duration. Also, dyes and other chemicals are sometimes added to wood to enhance their natural beauty, but these can cause irritation of the skin known as “contact dermatitis”. The severity of the reaction to these toxins vary from person to person, but the best thing you can do is avoid them altogether. Make sure that your organic body jewelry supplier is well versed on the subject and guarantees their product to be safe.

Wood is also not recommended for long-term wear, cannot be autoclave sterilized, and is not recommended for new or unhealed piercings. Don’t allow wood jewelry to get saturated or over-heated (remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, or entering a sauna), but it can be safely cleaned with mild liquid anti-bacterial soap and a small amount of water, providing that it is dried immediately. Then it can be lightly treated once a week with jojoba or olive oil to prevent cracking. Tea tree oil can also be used for cleaning and to add sheen.

Bone Although they consist of different substances, bone and horn body jewelry can be treated essentially the same. They are semi-hard, porous, and can be carved into different shapes for a variety of body jewelry uses. Most bone jewelry will come from cow bones, and most horn jewelry comes from buffalo, although there are always exceptions to every rule and you need to be sure what you are purchasing. Metal Mafia only use bone from Water Buffalo.

Bone and horn are relatively lightweight, come in natural shades of white to black, and can be carved into different shapes. Bone and horn are fragile and can shard when broken, so care should be taken not to allow them to be exposed to extreme pressure. They are not autoclavable, but can be carefully washed with mild antibacterial soap and a small amount of water and then treated once a month with jojoba, coconut or olive oil. They are not recommended for new or unhealed piercings, should not be worn long-term or during swimming, bathing or sleeping.

AMBER TUNNELS, DOUBLE FLARE AMBER PLUGS, AMBER PLUGS WITH BLACK ORING, WATER BUFFALO HORN TUNNELS, WATER BUFFALO HORN PINCHERS, WATER BUFFALO HORN TALONS,WATER BUFFALO BONE TUNNELS,WATER BUFFALO BONE TALONS.COCONUT WOOD TUNNELS, TEAK WOOD PLUGS. Prices shown are per piece unless otherwise noted.