General

What's a "Xylocopa"?

We take our name from the Carpenter Bee, genus Xylocopa, one of nature's most meticulous (and pesky!) woodworkers.

About Wood

Your wooden jewelry and beads look very delicate. Are they fragile?

We use woods that are known for their sturdiness and fine grain as well as their beauty. If you treat our work with the same care and respect as any other jewelry, it will last almost forever.

How should I take care of my wooden items?

In general, common sense is good enough. Keep wood away from extreme heat and avoid excess exposure to water and other liquids. Protect the wood from sharp or scratchy objects when not in use. Polish with a soft cloth. An occasional light application of a natural oil finish will ensure that the wood keeps its luster.

I have sensitive skin or allergies. Is wood jewelry safe?

Our wood is polished to perfect smoothness and treated with a non-toxic, non-irritating natural Tung Oil finish, so it is extremely mild on skin. For most people, wood is just as safe as gold or silver. However, people with severe nut allergies may react badly to Tung Oil, since it comes from a nut; if you are one of these people, please let us know and we can use a different finish for your products. It is also possible, although exceedingly rare, to be allergic to a particular type of wood. If you find this to be the case, we will gladly make you an item that does not contain that material.

Environment