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At Sun and Wing Studio, beauty shouldn't come at the expense of our earth. Tagua isn't just an alternative material; it's an environmental superhero for three major reasons: Deforestation Defense: Because the Tagua palm only produces these valuable seeds when it is alive and thriving, it gives local populations a powerful economic incentive to protect the rainforests rather than clear-cutting them for timber or cattle farming. A single Tagua palm can produce vegetable ivory for a century without ever being harmed. Protecting Wildlife: For decades, the demand for ivory devastated elephant populations. Tagua offers an ethical, chemically identical alternative. In fact, a single mature Tagua palm produces as much "ivory" in one year as an average female African elephant produces in a lifetime. Fair-Trade Support: Sourcing Tagua directly supports sustainable, fair-trade jobs for indigenous harvesting communities and local artisans in South America who process the raw seeds. The Maker’s Perspective: One of my favorite things about working with Tagua is how beautifully it takes color. When dyed with natural, eco-friendly pigments, the seed absorbs the color deeply while keeping its gorgeous, organic grain and marbling intact. No two pieces are ever completely identical. How to Wear and Care for Your Tagua Jewelry Because Tagua is a natural, organic material, it loves to be worn! The natural oils from your skin actually help keep the jewelry polished and glowing over time. Because it absorbs color, just remember a few simple care rules to keep your pieces looking vibrant for years to come: Keep it dry: Avoid wearing your Tagua jewelry in the shower, pool, or while doing dishes. Avoid direct perfume: Apply your favorite perfume or lotion and let it dry completely before putting on your jewelry. Store safely: When you aren't wearing it, keep your jewelry in a dry place out of direct, prolonged sunlight. Discover the Collection Next time someone asks you about that striking piece of jewelry you’re wearing, you can tell them it started its life high up in a South American rainforest canopy. It's a statement piece that makes a statement about what you value. Explore our latest Tagua and natural-material designs in the shop today!

You’ve brought home a piece of the rainforest! Your Tagua nut jewelry is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind statement. Known as "vegetable ivory," Tagua is exceptionally durable, but as a completely natural seed, it has a few simple needs to ensure it stays vibrant and stunning for years to come. Here is your guide to keeping your forest seeds happy and healthy! What is Tagua, Anyway? A Few Fun Facts Before we dive into care, here's a little context on this amazing material: Northern Roots: The Tagua nut is the seed of the Phytelephas palm tree, which is found only in the tropical rainforests of Northern South America, primarily Ecuador. A Family Affair: The botanical name, Phytelephas, literally means “elephant plant,” a nod to its use as an ethical, cruelty-free alternative to animal ivory. Historical Buttons: Before the invention of plastic, Tagua was a global commodity! From the late 1800s to the 1930s, Tagua was used to make up to 20% of the world's buttons, often referred to in the apparel industry as "Corozo." The Golden Rules of Tagua Care Since your jewelry is a natural, organic seed, it behaves differently than metal or plastic. The primary goal of care is to protect its internal moisture balance. 1. Avoid Water and High Humidity Tagua is essentially a dried seed, and it's best to keep it dry. Keep it Off the Dive Deck: Never swim, shower, or soak your Tagua jewelry. Prolonged exposure to water can cause the nut to absorb moisture, leading it to warp, swell, or crack as it dries unevenly. Watch the Steam: Avoid wearing your pieces in steamy environments like a sauna or even while taking a hot bath. High humidity isn't its friend! 2. Protect from Extreme Temperatures While durable, Tagua can react to drastic or prolonged temperature changes. Sunlight Moderation: Just like wood, a long, hot sunbath isn't ideal. Avoid leaving your Tagua jewelry sitting on a sunny windowsill or dash, as prolonged sun exposure or extreme heat can cause it to dry out too quickly, potentially leading to cracks. Skip the Oils: Although it sounds natural, do not apply any kind of oil to your Tagua. Because the nut is already dense, oils can interfere with its natural aging process and potentially cause discoloration. 3. Polish and Shine (The Best Part!) To maintain that brilliant shine and deep color, your Tagua just needs a little love once in a while. The Beeswax Secret: The best way to condition and polish your Tagua by hand is by using a small amount of natural beeswax or a similar natural polish (like carnauba wax). Buff it Up: Apply a small amount of wax to a soft, clean cloth and rub it lightly over the surface of the nut. Then, use a dry, clean section of the cloth to buff it for a brilliant shine. This light polish protects the surface and keeps that mesmerising grain looking its best! By following these simple steps, your Tagua jewelry will remain a vibrant, ethical, and meaningful piece of art for decades to come.