What does "Ethically Sourced from Ecuador" mean?

For Sun and Wing Studio, ethical sourcing is the heartbeat of the business. It means:Fair Trade: We work with suppliers who ensure the artisans and harvesters in Ecuador are paid a fair, living wage.No Deforestation: Tagua palms are never cut down. The nuts are gathered from the forest floor after they fall naturally.Elephant Protection: By providing a near-identical alternative to animal ivory, we help reduce the demand for poached ivory, protecting elephant populations.Rainforest Preservation: Harvesting Tagua provides an economic incentive for local communities to keep the rainforest standing rather than clearing it for cattle or agriculture.

How do I care for my Tagua jewelry?

Since Tagua is a natural plant cellulose, it behaves much like wood.Keep it dry: Do not wear your jewelry while swimming or showering.Cleaning: If it gets dirty, wipe it with a soft, damp cloth and dry it immediately.Polishing: You can maintain its luster by occasionally rubbing it with a tiny amount of natural wax or mineral oil.

FAQ – Sun & Wing Studio

All About Tagua & Ethical Sourcing

Tagua is the nut of the Phytelephas macrocarpa palm tree, which grows in the tropical rainforests of South America. When harvested, the nut is liquid inside, but after being dried in the sun for several months, it becomes incredibly hard—mimicking the density, texture, and color of animal ivory.

For Sun and Wing Studio, ethical sourcing is the heartbeat of the business. It means:

Fair Trade: We work with suppliers who ensure the artisans and harvesters in Ecuador are paid a fair, living wage.
No Deforestation: Tagua palms are never cut down. The nuts are gathered from the forest floor after they fall naturally.
Elephant Protection: By providing a near-identical alternative to animal ivory, we help reduce the demand for poached ivory, protecting elephant populations.
Rainforest Preservation: Harvesting Tagua provides an economic incentive for local communities to keep the rainforest standing rather than clearing it for cattle or agriculture.

It earned this nickname because it is virtually indistinguishable from fine elephant ivory. It has the same smooth feel and even features similar grain lines. It is a 100% plant-based, cruelty-free alternative.

Care & Durability

Yes! It is an extremely dense organic material. While it is tough enough to be carved and polished, it is also surprisingly lightweight, making it comfortable for all-day wear.

Since Tagua is a natural plant cellulose, it behaves much like wood.

Keep it dry: Do not wear your jewelry while swimming or showering.
Cleaning: If it gets dirty, wipe it with a soft, damp cloth and dry it immediately.
Polishing: You can maintain its luster by occasionally rubbing it with a tiny amount of natural wax or mineral oil.

Shop Policies & Returns

I want you to love your Sun and Wing piece. If there is an issue with your order, please contact me within 14 days of delivery to discuss a return or exchange. Items must be returned in their original, unworn condition.

For health and hygiene reasons, we cannot accept returns or exchanges on earrings that have been worn. This policy ensures the safety and well-being of all our customers. If your earrings arrive damaged, please reach out immediately so I can make it right.

Standard orders typically ship within 3–5 business days. You will receive a tracking number as soon as your handcrafted piece is on its way.

Contact & Custom Orders

Absolutely! I love collaborating on unique pieces. Whether you have a specific color palette in mind or want to discuss a custom laser-engraved design, please reach out via the contact form or email.

You can contact Sun and Wing Studio directly through the website contact page or by emailing hello@sunandwing.com. I strive to respond to all inquiries within 24–48 hours.

Still Have Questions?

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Sun and Wing Studio

About the Artist:

Every piece of jewelry you see is handmade with a deep respect for the materials and the environment. At Sun and Wing Studio, the process begins with selecting the finest fair-trade Tagua nuts from Ecuador.

With over 25 years of design experience, I focus on highlighting the natural beauty of the "ivory" while incorporating modern techniques—such as precision laser engraving—to create unique, wearable art. When you wear a piece from Sun and Wing, you aren't just wearing jewelry; you’re supporting sustainable forest management and ethical craftsmanship.