African Blackwood

Origin and Source
African Blackwood, scientifically known as Dalbergia melanoxylon, is native to the dry regions of central and southern Africa. It is prized for its dense, dark heartwood and has been used for centuries in traditional African and European craftsmanship.

Visual Characteristics
African Blackwood features a deep purplish-black to dark brown color with occasional dark streaks. The wood's grain is typically straight to slightly wavy, adding to its aesthetic appeal and making it a preferred choice for high-end musical instruments and decorative arts.

Symbolism and Meaning
Symbolically, African Blackwood embodies strength, resilience, and sophistication. It is associated with grounding and stability, reflecting its natural durability and ability to endure over time. Choosing African Blackwood for your ring inlay not only enhances its visual allure but also connects you to these enduring qualities.

Did You Know?
Did you know that African Blackwood is one of the hardest and densest woods in the world? It is renowned for its exceptional durability and resistance to wear, making it ideal for crafting fine musical instruments, such as clarinets and oboes, as well as exquisite jewelry pieces. Additionally, African Blackwood is considered a sustainable choice due to its slow growth and careful harvesting practices, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate its beauty and utility.

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.