Handle finishing dilemma

This is my first attempt at turning a handle on the lathe.

At this stage the handle is fitted loosely on the cane blank and includes PADAUK wood and mammoth ivory checker inlays.

Question: The padauk is extremely porous and needs some sort of protection. I do not want to use a plastic finish which leaves tung oil or walnut oil as possible finishing choices. If an oil finish is used how do I prevent the oil soaking into the cork, particularly when applied to the thin padauk rings?

Any suggestions/help appreciated.

Note: The grip has been sanded to 600X grit only.