The Role of Ring Armor Coating
Deer antler is a porous organic material — uncoated, it would readily absorb water and deteriorate quickly in wet conditions. Ring Armor protective coating seals the antler's surface, creating a water-resistant barrier that allows for normal everyday hand-washing, light rain exposure, and brief water contact without damage.
What Your Antler Ring Can Handle
- Hand washing — fine with brief exposure and immediate drying
- Light rain — fine for incidental exposure
- Short-term water contact in the field — reasonable for outdoor activities
What to Avoid
- Swimming pools — Chlorinated water is particularly aggressive toward both the antler and the Ring Armor coating. Remove before swimming.
- Hot tubs — Hot water and chemicals accelerate coating wear. Remove before use.
- Extended dish washing or bath soaking — Prolonged immersion, especially in hot water, puts more stress on the coating than brief contact.
- Ocean swimming — Salt water combined with wave action is hard on any inlay ring. Remove before ocean activities.
After Water Exposure
If your ring is exposed to water, dry it immediately and thoroughly with a soft cloth. Pay attention to the transition between the antler inlay and the metal band edges — moisture can accumulate there if not dried promptly.
If the Coating Fails
If you notice the antler absorbing water, appearing swollen, or losing its sealed appearance, the Ring Armor coating may be wearing thin. Contact Jewelry by Johan about re-coating options. Addressing this promptly prevents more significant damage to the antler inlay.