Desert Ironwood

Origin and Source
Desert Ironwood, scientifically known as Olneya tesota, is a small, slow-growing tree native to the deserts of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. Thriving in arid climates, this hardwood species is renowned for its dense, durable wood that has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples for tools, carvings, and ceremonial items. Today, Desert Ironwood is highly prized among artisans and woodworkers for its unique beauty and exceptional hardness.

Visual Characteristics
The heartwood of Desert Ironwood ranges from rich chocolate brown to deep reddish-purple hues, often showcasing intricate patterns and grain variations. Its fine texture and natural luster polish to a smooth, glossy finish, highlighting its inherent elegance and natural durability. Desert Ironwood's density gives it a satisfying heft and a luxurious feel, making it ideal for high-quality woodworking projects and decorative pieces.

Did You Know?
Did you know that Desert Ironwood is one of the densest and heaviest woods in the world? Its density is so high that it sinks in water, making it exceptionally durable and resistant to rot, pests, and weathering. This natural resilience contributes to its longevity and makes it a prized material for heirloom-quality items.

Symbolism and Meaning
Desert Ironwood symbolizes strength, endurance, and resilience. Its ability to thrive in harsh desert conditions reflects adaptability and perseverance.

Woodfox bespoke rings are made to order tailored just for you.

First, select a core material that makes the wood last for a lifetime, then provide your size and preferred width, and finally, select a finish of your choice.

If you select a core material, the associated image shows an example of it if such a ring has already been made.

The wood is protected by a hard acrylic coating, which means the only things you have to avoid is acetone and diluent.

Standard preparation time is about 5-10 days, and 30-60 days for starred materials.

You can exchange the ring for free in case of wrong size. If you don't know your size, check out the sizing chart or order a sizer.

Let me know if you have any questions or requests! :)

Surgical Stainless Steel is a great choice for a wood ring core. It's lightweight, affordable, and its minimalist design showcases the natural beauty of the wood inlay. While it's not completely scratch-resistant, any scratches that do occur are hardly noticeable since there is minimal surface area that comes in contact with other surfaces. It's also technically hypoallergenic, but if you prefer an extra level of safety, ceramic is a great alternative. For a more sturdy and metal-dominant design, tungsten is the one for you.

Ceramic's combination of durability, scratch-resistance, and lightness make it perfect for inlayed wood rings with a slick, modern look. If you are looking for a super hypoallergenic option, you can't go wrong with ceramic. It's more brittle than the metal options, but it's more than strong enough to be worn everyday if you don't have a very heavy duty job. It's also resistant to discoloration so they'll keep their beauty for a long-long time. Optional matte finish is also available for a more rustic look.

Tungsten Carbide is often called the "forever metal", which is why it's an excellent choice to reinforce any wood. This remarkable material combines tungsten, one of the hardest metals known to man, with carbon to create an incredibly durable and scratch-resistant alloy. Tungsten is relatively heavy (especially the 8mm design) but it makes sure your wood inlay ring will withstand the test of time, maintaining its pristine look even with daily wear. It also a great choice if you'd like a more metal-dominant and elegant design for your ring.

Damascus Steel is famous for its mesmerizing patterns and exceptional strength which is why it makes a very special material for a wood inlay ring. Damascus steel is made by a unique forging process that involves layering and folding different types of steel. It's not scratch-resistant but it is very strong and made of lightweight stainless steel, so it's comfortable and you don't have to worry about wearing it every day.

Silver 925, commonly known as sterling silver, is a classic and elegant choice for the reinforcement of a wood inlay ring. Silver, being a soft precious metal, is more prone to scratch, but its beautiful bright tone, light weight, and natural value more than makes up for it.

Plated Tungsten: Unlike traditional gold plating, PVD plating ensures longevity, preventing the gold layer from wearing off over time. Plated rings are highly durable but the gold plating may be susceptible to scratching, making these rings more sensitive than raw tungsten counterparts. The plating is surprisingly durable and should take many years to see any sign of scratches. Of course, this also depends on the wearer. Underneath the gold plating, it's good old tungsten carbide, so these rings match the weight of actual solid gold.

Titanium is known for its incredible strength and lightness which makes it a durable and robust core. It's not scratch resistant, but its sleek, modern look pairs beautifully with any type of wood, offering a striking contrast that’s both elegant and timeless. Allergic reactions to titanium are extremely rare even in people sensitive to other metals.