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Bone Care - Tuwharetoa Bone


Maori & Hawaiian Bone Carving Care

Your carving is made of polished quality natural bone.

This is a porous material and over time absorbs oils from your skin turning to a soft honey gold colour. This is normal and one of the great beauties of bone crafted jewelry.

To bring back the shine to your carving simply buff it with a soft cloth. In ancient times the high gloss polished finish of bone carvings was achieved by the wearer rubbing it.

A bone carving not only looks good but it also feels nice to touch. Handling the carving will not only keep it nicely polished but will also allow your body oils to enter the carving making it a part of you.

Maori believe it takes on the spirit of all those who wear it so the more colour it develops the more highly it is treasured.

  • Be careful not to spill coloured liquids onto the carving, such as red wine, as these will also be absorbed into the material.
  • Though bone is a very hard material it can also be brittle and will break if dropped onto a hard surface.  
  • Check the condition of the cord often.
  • Never use household cleaning or polishing compounds on your carving.
  • Rain and the occasional swim will not harm the carving but avoid sudden or extreme temperature changes such as wearing it in a hot shower or spa. Swimming with it then allowing it to dry rapidly in the sun is also not good for the carving, particularly when it is new. Over time your body oils moisturise and 'cure' the carving making it less prone to drying out, but protect it from extreme and rapid temperature changes.
  • Handle the carving often as the oils from your skin will keep the carving in good condition and protect it from the elements.