Wood: How Do We Choose Wood Beads?
Jason's long-standing love for trees, wood items and handmade has led us on a journey to carry over 40 different kinds of wood beads over the years. I tried to make a complete list since 1997, but it really was a trick to track as many as I could (pre "cloud storage"!)
You may think that wood beads look alike, but once you’ve sifted through enough strands, you start noticing subtle differences. Even within the same species—say, teak—there might be auburn-toned batches alongside dark chocolate hues. The wood grain, the quality of the cut, and the part of the tree used all affect the final look and feel. Sometimes the surface is smooth and shiny; other times, it can have a “pilled” or fuzzy texture.
It’s also wise to check if the wood has been varnished or finished in a way you like. Some prefer a thin varnish that can be sanded off for aromatherapy use, or no varnish at all. Dyed, painted, and even etched woods exist, offering countless aesthetic possibilities.
We always smell the wood (for the simple pleasure of it!) and examine the bead holes to ensure they’re smooth enough not to fray the cord. Centered drilling, consistency in size, shape, and hole alignment matter as well. Finally—and maybe most importantly— we buy from people we like and trust, believing that positive energy in sourcing carries through to the wearer.
This is what we do; it’s what we’ve become great at after sorting through tens of thousands of strands. We are, proudly, cherry pickers!
A Comprehensive List of Woods We Carry
Below is an alphabetical listing of the woods in our collection, each with its own beauty, history, and symbolic resonance. We hope you enjoy exploring their stories as much as we love sharing them.
1. African Wenge
Origin: Central and West Africa
Key Features: Dark brown to black with lighter brown streaks; interlocking grain can create swirling or striped patterns.
Symbolism: Strength, individuality, grounding energy.
2. Agathis Alba Bloodwood
Origin: Southeast Asia (likely a conifer known as Kauri or Almaciga)
Key Features: Often showcases a red-brown coloration when marketed as “bloodwood.”
Symbolism: Renewal, inner strength, a sense of stability.
3. Agila Wood
Origin: Possibly Southeast Asia
Key Features: Warm-hued wood with subtle grain; may be related to local hardwoods or agarwood variants.
Symbolism: Calmness, clarity, understated elegance.
4. Aloeswood (Agarwood)
Origin: Southeast Asia
Key Features: Forms a richly aromatic resin in Aquilaria trees after fungal infection. Highly valued in perfumery and spiritual traditions.
Symbolism: Mindfulness, spiritual depth, a grounding presence.
5. Bamboo
Origin: Primarily Asia, grown worldwide
Key Features: A grass rather than a true wood; lightweight, strong, and flexible.
Symbolism: Resilience, longevity, and adaptability.
6. Bayong Wood
Origin: The Philippines
Key Features: Reddish-brown hue, easy to carve, and naturally lustrous.
Symbolism: Stability, grounding, and close connection to nature.
7. Black Rosewood
Origin: Often tropical regions (Dalbergia-type rosewood)
Key Features: Dark, luxurious color, fine grain, associated with high-end instruments and crafts.
Symbolism: Balance, sophistication, artistic harmony.
8. Black Sandalwood
Origin: Various (often not a true Santalum species)
Key Features: Dark, dense hardwood sometimes with a subtle fragrance.
Symbolism: Grounding, absorption of negative energy, understated elegance.
9. Burmese Pear Wood
Origin: Myanmar (Burma)
Key Features: Light to rosy hue, fine uniform grain.
Symbolism: Elegance, clarity, soft warmth in design.
10. Cedar Wood
Origin: Himalayas, Mediterranean, North America
Key Features: Lightweight, aromatic, naturally moisture-resistant.
Symbolism: Protection, spiritual strength, renewal.
11. Cat’s Eye Sandalwood
Origin: Likely Asia
Key Features: Subtle shimmer reminiscent of a cat’s eye gemstone, mild aroma.
Symbolism: Sharpened intuition, warding off negativity, calm energy.
12. Chinese Yew Wood
Origin: China
Key Features: Tight, uniform grain; historically prized for longevity.
Symbolism: Renewal, resilience, and a grounding presence.
13. Ebony Wood
Origin: West Africa, Southeast Asia
Key Features: Deep black color, extremely dense, polishes to a mirror-like sheen.
Symbolism: Power, purity, protection—often seen as warding off negativity.
14. Gloomy Wood
Origin: Likely Southeast Asia (trade name)
Key Features: Dark, moody appearance with subtle grain patterns.
Symbolism: Introspection, quiet strength, understated elegance.
15. Golden Sandalwood
Origin: Various sandalwood-growing regions
Key Features: Radiant golden tone, gentle sweet aroma.
Symbolism: Tranquility, optimism, lightness of spirit.
16. Golden Wood
Origin: Possibly Asia or South America
Key Features: Bright, honey-like coloration with a warm luster.
Symbolism: Optimism, good fortune, inviting warmth.
17. Gray Wood
Origin: Aged or treated woods from various regions
Key Features: Weathered or enhanced gray tones, subtle sophistication.
Symbolism: Balance, neutrality, understated elegance.
18. Green Verawood
Origin: Also known as Argentine Lignum Vitae or Bulnesia
Key Features: Subtle greenish cast, very dense, can have a smooth, waxy feel.
Symbolism: Healing, heart-centered energy, resilience.
19. Indonesian Bloodwood
Origin: Indonesia
Key Features: Deep red hue, dense and durable, polishes well.
Symbolism: Courage, vitality, bold statement wood.
20. Jackfruit Wood
Origin: Southeast Asia
Key Features: Light golden-yellow color that deepens with age; sturdy yet easy to carve.
Symbolism: Abundance, nourishment, warmth.
21. Koa
Origin: Hawaii
Key Features: Rich colors and dramatic grain patterns; deeply tied to Hawaiian heritage.
Symbolism: Connection to the islands, creativity, the spirit of aloha.
22. Luangkan Qi Nan Wood
Origin: Southeast Asia (premium agarwood variety)
Key Features: Rare, highly aromatic form of agarwood known as Qi Nan.
Symbolism: Spiritual depth, tranquility, collector’s prized wood.
23. Madre de Cacao
Origin: Central America, the Philippines (Gliricidia sepium)
Key Features: Warm, earthy tone, known for natural healing properties in agriculture.
Symbolism: Renewal, nurturing, warmth of nature.
24. Mt. Wutai
Origin: Named for the sacred mountain in China
Key Features: Intricate grain patterns, sometimes forming circles or swirls.
Symbolism: Spiritual reverence, calm introspection, a sense of sacred space.
25. Multi Wood
Origin: Often a blend of different hardwoods
Key Features: Vibrant mix of colors and grain patterns in one strand.
Symbolism: Versatility, creativity, openness to new experiences.
26. Nepal Golden Sandalwood
Origin: Nepal or surrounding Himalayan regions
Key Features: Warm golden shade, gentle sandalwood aroma.
Symbolism: Serenity, spiritual uplift, calming presence.
27. Palo Santo
Origin: South America (Peru, Ecuador)
Key Features: Sweet, uplifting fragrance when burned; light to medium brown wood.
Symbolism: Cleansing, grounding, sacred “holy wood.”
28. Panganton
Origin: The Philippines
Key Features: Strong hardwood with a pleasant natural grain, less commonly known internationally.
Symbolism: Strength, endurance, cultural authenticity.
29. Phoenix Tail
Origin: Often from Asia (hardwood with feather-like or swirling patterns)
Key Features: Intricate, eye-like grain reminiscent of a phoenix’s plume.
Symbolism: Rebirth, grace, eye-catching uniqueness.
30. Purple Heart Wood
Origin: Central and South America
Key Features: Rich purple hue that darkens with age; very durable.
Symbolism: Creativity, transformation, a standout statement piece.
31. Red Sandalwood
Origin: India (often Pterocarpus santalinus)
Key Features: Deep red color, historically used in Ayurvedic medicine and as a dye.
Symbolism: Passion, protection, spiritual grounding.
32. Robles Wood
Origin: The Philippines
Key Features: Strong, with attractive grain patterns and earthy warmth.
Symbolism: Resilience, a deep connection to nature, practicality.
33. Rosewood
Origin: Brazil, India, Madagascar, Japan (Dalbergia species)
Key Features: Rich color ranging from brownish hues to deep purple; fine grain.
Symbolism: Heart healing, compassion, nurturing beauty.
34. Sand Wood
Origin: Possibly a light-toned hardwood or a shorthand for sandalwood
Key Features: Neutral, sandy coloration with a soft look.
Symbolism: Simplicity, balance, adaptability.
35. Santos Red Wood
Origin: Central/South America (sometimes referred to as Santos Mahogany)
Key Features: Reddish-brown color, dense and durable, polishes to a lustrous finish.
Symbolism: Vitality, warmth, a bold pop of color.
36. Sibucao (Sappan Wood)
Origin: Southeast Asia (especially the Philippines)
Key Features: Vibrant reddish hue, historically used for natural dye.
Symbolism: Passion, vitality, bold energy.
37. Tiger Ebony
Origin: Southeast Asia (Philippines)
Key Features: Ebony with lighter or striped streaks, dense and durable.
Symbolism: Protection, grounding, dramatic flair.
38. Tiger Sandalwood
Origin: Various (sandalwood or similar species with variegated grain)
Key Features: Striped or “tiger-like” markings, mild fragrance.
Symbolism: Calm energy coupled with fierce visual appeal, warding off negativity.
39. Vietnam Agarwood
Origin: Vietnam
Key Features: Highly prized agarwood with a rich, complex scent; used in incense and perfumery.
Symbolism: Spiritual connection, mindfulness, luxurious rarity.
40. Wenge Wood
Origin: Central and West Africa (Millettia laurentii)
Key Features: Dark brown with thin, lighter stripes; striking grain pattern.
Symbolism: Strength, individuality, an earthy aesthetic.
41. Wu
Origin: Potentially Chinese hardwood or shorthand for Wenge/dark-toned woods
Key Features: Deep, rich browns and robust density.
Symbolism: Wisdom, serenity, tradition in East Asian cultures.
42. Zambia Blood Sandalwood
Origin: Zambia (Africa)
Key Features: Reddish-brown color, sometimes not a true Santalum but marketed as sandalwood.
Symbolism: Resilience, grounding, earthy richness.
Woods From Japan
In addition to the woods listed above, we also celebrate Japan’s rich legacy of woodworking. I've met countless woodworkers and asked them where they got their woods, and would take notes as fast as I could so I could translate them at home (Pre Iphone and Google years!) These woods each have deep cultural significance:
- Ebony (Kokutan): Deep black tone, smooth finish.
- Japanese Horse Chestnut (Tochi): Light in color, subtle grain, soft luster.
- Japanese Yew (Ichii): Fine, tight grain, warm hue, symbolic of longevity.
- Magnolia (Hoonoki): Pale, fine-grained, often used for carvings.
- Rosewood (Shitan): Dense, lustrous finish, prized for instruments.
- Sakura (Cherry): Pinkish-brown color, represents the fleeting beauty of blossoms.
- Walnut (Kurumi): Warm brown with distinctive grain, beloved in modern and traditional designs.
- Zelkova (Keyaki): Renowned for its dramatic grain and strength, used in furniture and taiko drums.
A Note on “The Standing People”
In certain Native American teachings, trees are honored as “The Standing People,” each offering unique wisdom and gifts to the world. While we don’t carry every wood mentioned in every tradition, we aim to respect the spirit and legacy of the trees we do work with. When you wear wooden jewelry, you connect to that timeless generosity—an enduring link between us and the natural world.
Caring for Your Wood Jewelry
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Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Water & Chemicals:
Wood is organic and can warp or lose its finish if submerged for too long or exposed to harsh chemicals. -
Condition Occasionally:
A light coat of natural oils (like jojoba) or beeswax keeps your beads looking fresh and vibrant. -
Store Properly:
Keep your wood jewelry in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat or moisture can degrade the wood over time. -
Check Regularly:
Inspect for rough edges or loose fittings—smooth holes help prevent fraying of cords.
By treating your wooden accessories with care, you’ll ensure they remain beautiful, durable keepsakes that carry on the legacy of The Standing People.