Organics
Wood
Good for healed piercings: Wood cannot be sterilized in an autoclave. Some woods can cause irritation for maybe 2-5% of wearers. Because there are so many species of wood it is hard to know which woods you may have a problem with. The woods most known to cause some issues are, teak, purpleheart (amaranth), greenheart or satinwood, and some species of rosewood.
Care for wood: Thinner sculpts should be handled with care as they can be somewhat fragile. Thicker pieces can be fairly stout, but all wood can scratch or gouge if dropped or mishandled. Wood that is not worn should be kept in a dry area and lightly rubbed with mineral or olive oil once a month to avoid cracking. Clean off dust or debris with a moist soft cloth. Do not soak wood in water or other sanitizing liquids.
Jewelry Types: Rings, spirals, plugs, eyelets, endless carved designs for large and small gauge ear jewelry
Wood jewelry brings a warm, organic vibe, with each piece showcasing the unique, natural grain of the hardwood it’s crafted from. A go-to for plugs and carved body jewelry, wood is abundant, versatile, and naturally stunning, with varieties like oak, maple, and bamboo offering distinct patterns and textures. At Tribal Rites, our wood jewelry is made from hardwoods—sourced from slow-growing, broad-leaved angiosperm trees—treated with natural waxes and oils to enhance their beauty without compromising their earthy charm. While the term “hardwood” can be misleading (some, like balsa, are soft), our selection ensures durability and style. Coatings can subtly shift colors or highlight grain, making each piece one-of-a-kind. For a lightweight, eco-friendly option, try our bamboo jewelry—its natural golden hue and smooth finish make it a standout choice for healed piercings. Wear the warmth of nature with confidence!
Horn
Good for healed piercings. Horn cannot be sterilized in an autoclave.
Care for Horn: You can lightly wash with soap and water and pat dry. Do not soak horn in water or sanitizing liquids. Horn can be oiled with jojoba or mineral oil every so often to keep it from drying out and to keep its luster.
Jewelry Types: Rings, spirals, plugs, eyelets, endless carved designs for large and small gauge ear jewelry
Horn jewelry captivates with its rich, natural beauty, typically gleaming in deep black, though rare creamy tan or translucent brown shades command higher prices. Polished to a lustrous shine, horn reflects light with a mesmerizing glow. Sourced primarily from water buffalo—never killed for their horns—this material honors the animal’s spirit. Composed of keratin, the same protein in nails, hooves, and hair, horn is semi-porous and durable but can break if mishandled. At Tribal Rites, our horn jewelry offers a bold, organic elegance for healed piercings, perfect for those seeking a unique, eco-conscious statement.
Bone
Good for healed piercings. Bone cannot be sterilized in an autoclave.
Care for Bone: Caring for bone is similar to horn. Lightly wash with soap and water and pat dry. Bone can be oiled with mineral oil or jojoba oil once a month. Do not soak bone in water or sanitizing liquids.
Jewelry Types: Rings, spirals, plugs, eyelets, endless carved designs for large and small gauge ear jewelry
Bone body jewelry is made from cow or water buffalo. Bone is polished to a shine and usually white. Although, there can be some yellowing with time. Bone can be carved into many beautiful shapes and designs. Its nice white glow makes for a more subdued look that is fantastic when worn.
Stone, Amber, and other Mineralized Jewelry
Good for healed piercings. Stone cannot be sterilized in an autoclave.
Care for Stone, Amber, and other Mineralized Jewelry: Jewelry may be washed with soap and water and patted dry. While not as porous as wood or horn, soaking minerals could damage the surface.
Minerals captivate with their vibrant colors, unique inclusions, and striking fractures, making them some of the most coveted materials for jewelry. Ranging from opaque to translucent, they display a spectrum of hues and intricate patterns that elevate their allure.
While most minerals used in jewelry are durable, they can break or shatter if dropped—hematite, for instance, is especially fragile but can last a lifetime with care. Amber, a fossilized tree sap, is a standout; natural amber, cloudy with fissures and inclusions, is rare and pricey, while reconstituted amber, made from heated and molded fragments, boasts a clear, uniform look. Stone jewelry spans common to ultra-rare minerals, with exotic options commanding higher prices. At Tribal Rites, explore our collection of fossilized wood, coral, and unique bones like mammoth or walrus tusk for a bold, natural statement in healed piercings.
Shell
Good for healed piercings. Shell Cannot be sterilized in an autoclave
Care for Shell: May be washed with soap and water. Shell can be fragile especially with thinner designs. Dropping shell onto hard surfaces can easily break them. Inlays and thicker pieces are more durable.
Jewelry Types: Carved designs for medium gauge piercings (8 gauge to 4 gauge), carved designs attached to silver or other metals for regular sized pierced ears (20 gauge – 16 gauge), Also used as an inlay in wood, horn, or bone jewelry
Seashell jewelry, crafted from mollusk shells, dazzles with its natural allure. Some shells, coated in glossy nacre—the same shimmering layer that gives pearls their luster—are known as mother of pearl. Hard as stone due to their calcium composition, shells can be intricately carved into standalone pieces or stunning inlays. Abalone, a rock-clinging mollusk, boasts vibrant, multicolored iridescence, making it a top choice for eye-catching inlays.
At Tribal Rites, our shell jewelry brings ocean-inspired elegance to healed piercings, perfect for a bold, natural statement.