The dictionary defines the word organic to mean objects that are “of, relating to, or derived from living organismsâ€. Body jewelry that fits under this term would include wood, bone, horn and ivory. It also tends to include rock/stone, even though it doesn’t technically qualify under the definition. Each of these materials can come in many different varieties, but the primary connection is that they all come naturally from the earth. Almost all jewelry made from these materials will come in the form of plugs, earlets, eyelets or claws â€" jewelry that is designed for stretched piercing holes, usually the ear lobes.
Wood
Body jewelry made of wood has great versatility. It is lightweight, so even a largely stretched piercing can be accommodated without discomfort. Wood comes in a variety of colors and hardness, depending on the source, which can be anything from the reedy bamboo to the rock-solid ebony.
There are, however, some cautions that should be taken regarding body jewelry made of wood. Although most raw woods are relatively safe, there are some that could be considered toxic when brought into contact with the skin, especially for a duration. Also, dyes and other chemicals are sometimes added to wood to enhance their natural beauty, but these can cause irritation of the skin known as “contact dermatitisâ€. The severity of the reaction to these toxins vary from person to person, but the best thing you can do is avoid them altogether. Make sure that your organic body jewelry supplier is well versed on the subject and guarantees their product to be safe. For more information on the types of wood considered toxic, see A Guide to Hardwoods for the Piercing Community.
Wood is also not recommended for long-term wear, cannot be autoclave sterilized, and is not recommended for new or unhealed piercings. Don’t allow wood jewelry to get saturated or over-heated (remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, or entering a sauna), but it can be safely cleaned with mild liquid anti-bacterial soap and a small amount of water, providing that it is dried immediately. Then it can be lightly treated once a week with jojoba or olive oil to prevent cracking. Tea tree oil can also be used for cleaning and to add sheen.
Bone
Although they consist of different substances, bone and horn body jewelry can be treated essentially the same. They are semi-hard, porous, and can be carved into different shapes for a variety of body jewelry uses. Most bone jewelry will come from cow bones, and most horn jewelry comes from buffalo, although there are always exceptions to every rule and you need to be sure what you are purchasing.
Bone and horn are relatively lightweight, come in natural shades of white to black, and can be carved into different shapes. Bone and horn are fragile and can shard when broken, so care should be taken not to allow them to be exposed to extreme pressure. They are not autoclavable, but can be carefully washed with mild antibacterial soap and a small amount of water and then treated once a month with jojoba, coconut or olive oil. They are not recommended for new or unhealed piercings, should not be worn long-term or during swimming, bathing or sleeping.
Ivory (Tusk)
When most of us think of ivory, our minds usually go immediately to elephant tusk, which is illegal. However, there are some forms of ivory that are not illegal and can be used to create body jewelry. Walrus tusk is one such example, as well as Mammoth and Mastodon. (Learn about the different types of ivory.) Despite its legality, ivory still remains controversial and is a personal decision each person must make regarding its purchase.
Ivory, like bone and horn, cannot be autoclaved sterilized. If it is allowed to get dried out, it can get cracks that can encourage bacterial growth. It should not be saturated or exposed to high heat and humidity. It can, however, be cleaned periodically with mild antibacterial soap and a small amount of water, dried immediately, and then treated with jojoba, coconut or olive oil. These treatments are recommended once a month.
Ivory is not recommended for new or unhealed piercings and should only be worn short-term or for special occasions.
Rock/Stone
Rock or semi-precious stone is also used to create beautiful body jewelry. It’s heavy, and usually won’t come in very large sizes. The weight can also cause the jewelry to fall out unexpectedly.
It’s more durable than other organic materials, but can still break if dropped or treated roughly. Despite it’s smooth surface and solid texture, stone still cannot be autoclave sterilized and needs to be cleaned with mild antibacterial soap and water.
Stone jewelry is not recommended for new or unhealed piercings and should only be worn for short periods of time.
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