Water Buffalo horn is a popular item in ear gauges and other body jewelry. Proper care of organics is essential. We are going to tell you a few tricks to help keep your horn jewelry looking new.
First, horn should be oiled with pure jojoba oil. This will enhance the colour and any depth to carving. It will make the jewelry shine and hide imperfections. Rub a small amount of oil into the jewelry, then wipe clean in a polishing fashion. Horn can also be buffed with a jewelry cloth. If there is silver inlay, this is an excellent means of shining up the silver without damaging the horn.
Second, over time the horn, being an organic, may absorb water vapor from the air and in the process warp. We have developed a method to restore your jewelry. What you need to do is wrap the item in a moist small towel or washcloth. Make sure the item will lay flat, so the towel should be square folded. Place the item in the towel on a flat, solid surface and set a relatively heavy item on top of it. A gallon jug of a liquid, such a bleach on top of the towel and leave it for 24 hours. After this time, check that the item has straightened. You aren't done yet. Now you need to place the jewelry in a heavy book, shut the book and pile more on top. Basically you are using a make shift press, much like flowers are pressed. Leave the item for a week or so. The shape should be restored!
