Complete Ring Care Guide - Tungsten, Wood, Antler & Meteorite
CERVUS Ring with Natural Materials - Proper Care Ensures Lifetime Beauty
Your tungsten ring represents something meaningful—a commitment, a milestone, a personal statement. Whether you've chosen a sleek TUNGRA band, a nature-inspired CERVUS ring with wood and antler, or a cosmic CELESTIUM band with meteorite, proper care ensures it remains beautiful for decades.
Here's the truth: Tungsten carbide is exceptionally durable, but natural inlay materials require thoughtful maintenance.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about caring for your Foundoria ring, from daily cleaning routines to long-term storage strategies.
Quick Reference Care Chart
At-a-glance care requirements for your specific ring type
Plain Tungsten Rings
TUNGRA, Polished Bands
High - Can handle occasional exposure
Soap and water, any time
Weekly wipe, deep clean monthly
Wood Inlay Rings
CERVUS, Whiskey Barrel Wood
Low - Remove before water exposure
Barely damp cloth, dry immediately
Gentle wipe weekly, minimal water
Deer Antler Inlay Rings
CERVUS, Natural Antler
Low - Porous, absorbs moisture
Dry cloth preferred, minimal dampness
Quick dry wipe as needed
Meteorite Inlay Rings
CELESTIUM, Gibeon Meteorite
Moderate - Can oxidize if not dried
Soft dry cloth, avoid prolonged water
Dry wipe weekly, embrace patina
Daily Care Routine - Keep Your Ring Looking New
The 60-Second Daily Wipe
The simplest way to maintain your ring's appearance is a quick daily wipe:
Remove Daily Buildup
Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe away oils, lotions, and everyday residue. This prevents buildup that can dull your ring's finish.
For all ring types: This gentle dry wipe is safe daily
Check for Debris
Inspect between the inlay and tungsten band for any dirt or particles. Use a soft-bristled brush (dry) to gently remove debris.
Natural inlays: Never use water to flush out debris
Dry Storage When Removed
When you take off your ring (sleeping, showering, sports), place it in your Foundoria ring box or soft pouch.
Tip: Keep your ring box on your nightstand for easy access
Weekly & Monthly Deep Cleaning
Plain Tungsten Rings (TUNGRA, Polished Bands)
What You Need:
- Mild dish soap or hand soap
- Warm (not hot) water
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Optional: Soft-bristled toothbrush
Step-by-Step Process:
- Create cleaning solution: Mix a few drops of mild soap with warm water in a small bowl
- Soak briefly: Place your ring in the solution for 2-3 minutes
- Gentle scrub: Use a soft cloth or brush to gently clean the surface, getting into grooves and edges
- Rinse thoroughly: Run under clean warm water to remove all soap residue
- Dry completely: Pat dry with a clean, soft cloth. Buff to restore shine
Frequency: Deep clean plain tungsten rings monthly, or whenever they appear dull or dirty.
Wood Inlay Rings (CERVUS, Whiskey Barrel Wood)
What You Need:
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Small bowl of clean water (room temperature)
- Dry towel for immediate drying
Step-by-Step Process:
- Minimal moisture approach: Dampen (don't soak) your cloth with clean water - it should be barely damp
- Wipe gently: Lightly wipe the wood inlay and tungsten surface
- Immediate dry: Use a dry cloth to immediately absorb any moisture, especially from the wood inlay
- Air dry fully: Leave your ring on a dry towel for 10-15 minutes before wearing or storing
⚠️ Critical: Never submerge wood inlay rings in water. Never use soap directly on wood. Prolonged moisture exposure can cause warping, cracking, or finish degradation.
Wood Inlay Maintenance Tips:
- Develop a patina: Over time, wood develops a natural patina that adds character—this is normal and desirable
- Avoid temperature extremes: Don't leave your ring in hot cars or freezing conditions
- Remove before water activities: Always take off before showering, swimming, washing hands, or doing dishes
- Natural variations: Each wood grain is unique; color variations and natural markings are part of the beauty
Deer Antler Inlay Rings (CERVUS Natural Antler)
What You Need:
- Soft, dry microfiber cloth (primary)
- Barely damp cloth (occasional use only)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Prefer dry cleaning: Most of the time, a dry soft cloth is sufficient to remove oils and residue
- Occasional damp wipe: If needed, use a barely damp cloth for stubborn dirt—wring out excess water first
- Immediate drying: Dry the antler inlay thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth
- Air circulation: Allow ring to air dry completely before storing
⚠️ Important: Deer antler is porous and absorbs moisture. Never submerge or soak. Remove before all water activities.
Antler Inlay Characteristics:
- Natural patina development: Antler may darken slightly over time—this is normal and adds character
- Unique texture: Each piece of antler has its own texture and color variations
- Seasonal shedding material: Deer naturally shed antlers, making this a sustainable choice
- Organic beauty: Small natural imperfections are part of the authentic material
Meteorite Inlay Rings (CELESTIUM Gibeon Meteorite)
What You Need:
- Soft, dry microfiber cloth
- Optional: Barely damp cloth for stubborn residue
Step-by-Step Process:
- Dry wipe preferred: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove oils and daily buildup
- Minimal water if needed: If necessary, use a barely damp cloth on the meteorite, then dry immediately
- Thorough drying: Ensure all moisture is removed, especially from the meteorite inlay
- Embrace the patina: Natural oxidation creates beautiful rustic character
💡 About Meteorite Patina: Gibeon meteorite contains iron and develops a natural patina (light oxidation) over time. This is completely normal and adds to the cosmic, ancient character of your ring. The distinctive Widmanstätten patterns remain visible and actually become more pronounced with patina.
Meteorite Facts & Care:
- 4-billion-year-old material: Your ring contains actual fragments from space
- Widmanstätten patterns: The unique crystalline structures formed over millions of years in space
- Patina is desirable: The aged appearance enhances the ring's cosmic story
- Avoid chlorine: Remove before swimming in pools—chlorine accelerates oxidation
- Each piece unique: No two meteorite patterns are identical
What to Avoid - Protect Your Investment
Harsh Chemicals
- Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners
- Chlorine (swimming pools, hot tubs)
- Household cleaning products
- Acetone or paint thinner
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (excessive use on natural inlays)
Why: Chemicals can damage natural inlay materials and dull tungsten's finish
Ultrasonic Cleaners
- Jewelry ultrasonic machines
- Vibration-based cleaning devices
Why: Vibrations can loosen natural inlays or cause micro-cracks in organic materials
Extreme Temperatures
- Hot tubs and saunas
- Leaving ring in hot car
- Freezing conditions
- Rapid temperature changes
Why: Wood and antler can expand/contract, causing cracks or warping
High-Impact Activities
- Heavy metalworking
- Rock climbing
- Working with heavy machinery
- Contact sports
- Dropping onto hard surfaces
Why: Tungsten can crack under sudden high impact. Use your ENDURA silicone band instead
Abrasive Materials
- Scouring pads or steel wool
- Abrasive cleaners
- Rough towels or paper towels
- Baking soda scrubs
Why: Can scratch tungsten finish and damage delicate natural inlays
Prolonged Water Exposure
- Showering with ring on
- Swimming (especially pools)
- Washing dishes
- Water sports
- Extended hand washing
Why: Natural inlays absorb moisture, leading to warping, cracking, or finish degradation
Proper Storage - When You're Not Wearing Your Ring
Best Storage Practices
✓ Recommended: Individual Ring Box
Your Foundoria ring comes with an eco-luxury clamshell box—use it! The soft interior prevents scratches and the closed design protects from dust and humidity.
- Keep on nightstand for bedtime removal
- Store in bathroom cabinet (not on counter where it gets wet)
- Perfect for travel
✓ Recommended: Soft Fabric Pouch
A microfiber or velvet pouch provides protection and is portable.
- Prevents scratches from other jewelry
- Breathable fabric (good for natural inlays)
- Easy to keep in gym bag or travel kit
✗ Avoid: Loose in Jewelry Box
Don't store your tungsten ring loose with other jewelry—it can scratch softer metals, and other items can damage natural inlays.
✗ Avoid: Bathroom Counter
High humidity and water splashes are bad for rings with natural inlays. Store in a drawer or cabinet instead.
Travel Storage Tips
- Use your ring box: The Foundoria clamshell box is perfect for travel
- Carry-on luggage: Keep your ring with you, not in checked baggage
- Hotel safes: Store in the room safe when not wearing
- Beach/pool: Leave ring secured in hotel room—don't risk loss or damage
Activity Guide - When to Wear & When to Switch
✓ Safe to Wear Your Tungsten Ring
Typing, driving, daily errands, meetings
Walking, yoga, light weights (plain tungsten)
Dinners, parties, formal occasions
Food prep, baking (remove before washing hands)
⚠️ Switch to Your ENDURA Silicone Band
Every Foundoria ring purchase includes a complimentary ENDURA silicone band for these activities:
Weight lifting, CrossFit, HIIT, boxing
Hiking, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking
Swimming, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding
Construction, carpentry, automotive work, heavy machinery
Basketball, football, martial arts, wrestling
✗ Remove Your Ring Completely
Especially critical for natural inlay rings
Chlorine damages natural materials and accelerates meteorite oxidation
Extreme heat and chemicals harm natural inlays
Reduce wear and prevent accidental damage
Household cleaners, bleach, harsh detergents
Chemicals and solvents can damage finishes
Long-Term Care & Maintenance
Monthly Inspection Checklist
Take 2 minutes once a month to inspect your ring:
Seasonal Considerations
🌸 Spring & Summer
- Increased humidity: Be extra careful with natural inlay rings
- Sunscreen & lotions: These can build up on rings—clean more frequently
- Swimming season: Remember to remove before pools and beaches
- Outdoor activities: Use your ENDURA band for adventures
🍂 Fall & Winter
- Dry air: Good for natural inlays, but use hand lotion (away from ring)
- Cold temperatures: Remove ring before outdoor winter activities
- Hand washing: More frequent during flu season—remember to remove ring
- Holiday cooking: More time in kitchen—protect ring from water exposure
Professional Inspection
While tungsten carbide requires minimal professional maintenance, consider having your ring inspected if:
- You notice separation between the inlay and tungsten band
- Natural inlay materials show significant cracking or warping
- You've dropped the ring and suspect damage
- The ring no longer fits properly (sizing issues)
💡 Foundoria Support: Contact our customer service team if you have concerns about your ring's condition. Our Lifetime Warranty covers manufacturing defects and damage during normal wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Care Products
You don't need expensive specialized products to care for your Foundoria ring. Here's what we recommend:
✓ Microfiber Cloths
Soft, lint-free cloths are perfect for daily cleaning and drying. Keep several on hand—one for cleaning, one for drying, one for buffing.
Where to find: Available at any eyeglass store, electronics store, or online
✓ Mild Dish Soap
Any gentle, non-abrasive dish soap works perfectly for plain tungsten rings. Avoid antibacterial or heavy-duty formulas.
Brands: Dawn (original), Seventh Generation, or any mild formula
✓ Soft-Bristled Brush
A baby toothbrush or soft makeup brush can help clean grooves and edges on plain tungsten rings.
Important: Use DRY only on natural inlay rings
✓ Ring Box or Pouch
Your Foundoria eco-luxury box is perfect! If you need additional storage for travel, look for soft fabric pouches.
Material: Velvet, microfiber, or soft cotton
❌ What NOT to Buy: Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, jewelry polishing cloths with chemicals, abrasive cleaners, wood oils/conditioners, commercial jewelry cleaning solutions (for natural inlay rings).
Your Lifetime Warranty Coverage
Every Foundoria ring is backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty, which covers:
✓ Covered
- Manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship
- Inlay separation during normal wear
- Structural defects in tungsten band
- Finish defects that occur under normal conditions
✗ Not Covered
- Damage from improper care or maintenance
- Loss or theft
- Damage from high-impact activities or accidents
- Normal wear and tear (patina, minor scratches)
- Damage from chemicals or extreme temperatures
- Resizing (tungsten cannot be resized)
To make a warranty claim: Contact our customer service team with photos of the damage and your order information. We'll review and process legitimate claims quickly.
Shop Our Complete Collection
TUNGRA Black Tungsten Ring with Rose Gold Sleeve
Care Level: Very Low - Perfect for everyday wear
- Plain tungsten - easiest to maintain
- Can handle water exposure
- Simple soap and water cleaning
- Scratch-resistant matte finish
CERVUS Rose Gold Tungsten with Deer Antler & Whiskey Barrel Wood
Care Level: Moderate - Natural materials require thoughtful care
- Remove before water activities
- Clean with barely damp cloth
- Develops beautiful natural patina
- Each ring completely unique
CELESTIUM Two-Tone Tungsten with Meteorite & Rose Gold
Care Level: Moderate - Embrace the cosmic patina
- 4-billion-year-old meteorite inlay
- Natural patina adds character
- Dry cloth cleaning preferred
- Unique Widmanstätten patterns
Final Thoughts: Care Is Commitment
Your Foundoria ring represents something meaningful—whether it's a commitment to a partner, a personal milestone, or a symbol of your values. Taking a few moments each week to care for your ring ensures it remains as beautiful and meaningful decades from now as it is today.
Remember:
- Tungsten carbide is remarkably durable - it will maintain its appearance far longer than traditional precious metals
- Natural inlays add unique character - the patina and aging process makes your ring one-of-a-kind
- Simple care routines work best - you don't need expensive products or complicated processes
- When in doubt, remove it - protect your investment during risky activities
- We're here to help - contact Foundoria with any questions or concerns
The Bottom Line
With proper care, your Foundoria tungsten ring will remain a stunning, meaningful piece for 30+ years. Follow the guidelines in this guide, treat your ring with the same intention you chose it with, and it will be a lifelong companion.
