What Is Ring Armor?
Ring Armor is a clear protective sealant applied by Jewelry by Johan's bench jewelers to every antler ring before it ships. It is a multi-layer coating system designed specifically for organic inlay materials — antler, wood, bone — that seals the porous surface of the inlay against moisture, skin oils, UV exposure, and daily abrasion.
Why Organic Inlays Need Coating
Deer antler is a naturally porous material. Without a protective coating, it would absorb moisture, skin oils, and environmental contaminants — leading to discoloration, swelling, cracking, and accelerated deterioration. Ring Armor creates a physical barrier between the antler and the outside world, fundamentally changing how the ring performs in daily wear.
What Ring Armor Protects Against
- Moisture — The primary threat to organic inlays. Ring Armor makes the antler surface water resistant for everyday use.
- Skin oils — Daily contact with skin oils can discolor unprotected antler over time. Coating prevents this.
- UV fading — Prolonged sunlight exposure can bleach or yellow unprotected antler. Ring Armor provides UV resistance.
- Minor surface abrasion — The clear hard coating adds a layer of abrasion resistance to the antler surface.
What Ring Armor Does Not Protect Against
Ring Armor is not a guarantee against all damage. Prolonged water immersion (swimming, soaking), aggressive chemicals, and heavy physical abrasion will wear down the coating over time. The coating requires the basic care described in our care guide to remain effective.
Re-Coating Over Time
After many years of daily wear, the Ring Armor coating may show signs of wear. Contact Jewelry by Johan to inquire about re-coating options. Refreshing the coating periodically is the best way to extend the ring's lifespan indefinitely.