Iroko

Origin and Source
Iroko, scientifically known as Chlorophora excelsa, is native to the tropical regions of West Africa, including countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. It is a large hardwood tree known for its wide availability and sustainability in its natural habitat.

Visual Characteristics
Iroko wood is characterized by its golden to medium brown color, which darkens with age and exposure to light. It has a coarse texture and interlocking grain, giving it a distinctive appearance that varies from straight to wavy. The wood has a natural luster and finishes well, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

Symbolism and Meaning
Symbolically, Iroko represents strength, durability, and adaptability. It is revered for its resilience to decay and insect attacks, making it a preferred choice for outdoor and marine applications. In African cultures, Iroko is also associated with wisdom and longevity, often used in ritual and ceremonial contexts.

Did You Know?
Did you know that Iroko wood is commonly used in boatbuilding and marine construction? Its natural resistance to water and durability make it ideal for applications where exposure to moisture is frequent. Additionally, Iroko is increasingly favored in contemporary furniture and interior design for its warm color tones and ability to complement various decor styles.

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.