How to Care for Your Carving

Why Care Matters

Olive pit carvings are remarkably durable — many survive for centuries — but a little care keeps them looking their best and protects the fine detail. The material is organic: it responds to humidity, temperature, and the chemistry of the hands that hold it.

The good news: almost all damage we see in restoration is preventable, and a proper care routine takes only minutes a month.

Daily Care

• Avoid moisture: — Water can swell and crack the pit. Remove before washing hands or bathing, and never submerge a piece to clean it.
• Keep away from heat: — Direct sun and radiators dry the material and fade its tone. Sudden temperature changes are worse than steady warmth.
• Handle with clean hands: — Natural oils from skin slowly enrich the surface; dirt and food residue do not. Wash hands before handling a fine piece.
• Store properly: — A soft pouch prevents scratches from harder objects. For display, a closed cabinet beats an open shelf in a drafty room.

Long-Term Preservation

• Rotate display: — If worn daily, rest the piece occasionally to let the surface recover. Pieces that are rotated keep their detail sharper for decades.
• Occasional oiling: — A tiny amount of neutral oil, once a year, maintains suppleness. More is not better: excess oil darkens and clogs the detail.
• Avoid chemicals: — Perfumes, sanitizers, and household cleaners can dull or damage the carving. Apply fragrance before putting on your piece, not after.

Seasonal Considerations

Winter heating is the greatest threat: indoor humidity can drop below levels the material tolerates. If you live in a dry climate or heat aggressively, consider keeping displayed pieces in a room with a humidifier, or simply handling them more often — the oils from your hands are the best protection there is.

When to Seek Help

If a piece shows a new crack or loose element, stop wearing it and contact us. Many issues are repairable by the original carver, and early intervention almost always means a better outcome. Never attempt to glue a carving yourself — adhesives seal the grain and complicate every future repair.