We start with high-quality cuts of wood and we only use wood that has been properly dried. We place these high standards on the wood we use because they are necessary for a high-quality finished product. Esoteric Body is committed to only working with hardwoods that are less likely to cause issues with the body. Further, we are dedicated to environmental responsibility and so we avoid working with hardwoods that are endangered.
Esoteric Body takes pride in our meticulous finishing techniques. We take care to examine the grain and go through a lengthy process to ensure a very minimal to no grain raise; this is accomplished by our methods of cutting during crafting and our attention to detail in our finishing. While some woods are more prone to grain raise than others we undertake an even lengthier finishing process for open grained woods in order to help minimize this effect.
We start by using 100% organic Jojoba Oil to polish the jewelry. This oil in particular is very close to sebum, the natural oil produced by the body. Next we apply our 100% vegan-friendly organic wax, a unique formula of Jojoba and Carnauba wax that we developed to protect our jewelry during shipping and while it is on display in your case. As wood will take on and give off moisture depending on its environment, hardwood jewelry left in display cases can dry out or become too moist, which can lead to cracking, shrinking, or warping. The wax layer significantly slows down this process to a rate that allows the jewelry to acclimate properly to its environment.
This wax is also beneficial to the jewelry wearer because it works in harmony with the body’s natural oils. As the jewelry is worn the wax finish is gradually replaced by the wearer’s natural oils.
We do not recommend that you wash or expose your jewelry to water until after this initial wax coating wears off. Once the body’s oils start to absorb into the jewelry, your jewelry will achieve a certain degree of water-resistance.
People often mistake the bad reactions caused by poorly finished jewelry for allergic reactions to wood. When a piece is not properly finished, the wood grain and any scratches on the wearing surface can cause massive irritation to the tissue causing allergic reaction-like symptoms such as redness, itching and swelling.
Let’s face it; aside from the ugly skin reactions poor-quality plugs can cause, poor-quality plugs themselves just aren’t attractive. Plugs with visible sanding marks, plugs with cracks, inlays with gobs of glue—these are the plugs are the mark of someone trying (but failing badly) to copy the kinds of plugs offered by the respected and established jewelry manufacturers. These types of flawed forgeries cannot make the bold statement your jewelry should make. On the other hand, high-quality plugs are like exquisite works of art. Their beauty is admired. Each pair is as unique as its wearer.
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