Meet the Woods: How We Choose Our Materials - PRW Made

Meet the Woods: How We Choose Our Materials

by Dan Gilreath on Jul 28 2025
Table of Contents

    At PRWMade, every piece starts with a choice: which wood will bring this design to life?

    We don't just grab the nearest scrap - we select each type of wood with purpose. Grain, tone, sustainability, and symbolism all play a role in what ends up in your jewelry, gift, or decor.

    Here's a closer look at the woods I use most often - and why they matter.

    Walnut sample

    🌰 Walnut

    Dark, rich, and elegant, walnut is a hardwood with warmth and depth. It brings a modern edge to organic shapes and pairs beautifully with gold and copper findings.

    Maple Sample

    🍁 Maple

    Maple is smooth, pale, and almost creamy in color - a minimalist dream. We love it for intricate engravings and soft shapes that let the details shine.

    Purpleheart Sample

    💜 Purpleheart

    A natural purple wood (yes, really!), Purpleheart adds bold color without stains or dyes. Its unique tone is a showstopper and makes for truly unforgettable gifts.

    ❤️ Chakte Kok (Redheart)

    Bright, reddish-orange and full of personality - Redheart wood is used sparingly, but with impact. It's a favorite in limited runs and mixed-material inlays.

    🌳 Olivewood

    Known for its swirls and striking contrast, Olivewood is rich in history and character. It's often used in religious or symbolic gifts and has an heirloom feel.

    🍊 Chakte Viga (Orange Heart)

    Vibrant and full of character, Chakte Viga - also known as Orange Heart - is a tropical hardwood with bold, fiery tones ranging from deep orange to reddish-gold. Its smooth grain and natural glow make it a standout choice for statement pieces, adding warmth and energy to any design.

    Cherry sample

    🍒 Cherry

    Classic and refined, cherry wood deepens with age, developing a warm reddish patina over time. Its smooth texture and subtle grain lend a timeless feel to any piece, making it a favorite for heirloom-quality craftsmanship and everyday elegance alike.

    Canarywood sample

    🟡 Canarywood

    Lively and striking, canarywood features golden yellows streaked with red, orange, and brown. This South American hardwood is as durable as it is eye-catching, bringing a bold pop of color and natural pattern to modern and artistic designs.

    ♻️ Rescued Offcuts

    We also make use of rescued and leftover wood from larger production runs. These scraps often become earrings, keychains, or small gifts - each with a story of transformation behind it.

    → See how we turn scraps into statements

    Quality + Sustainability, by Design

    Every wood I use is either domestically sourced or sustainably harvested - and I choose each type not just for how it looks, but for how it wears, engraves, and lasts.

    We finish all pieces with a natural blend of linseed oil and beeswax - no harsh chemicals, just a smooth, safe finish that ages beautifully.

    → Learn more about our wood sourcing

    → Browse customer favorites

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