Caring for BRASS: 

Since brass is a natural alloy it will gradually patina over time with exposure to oxygen and moisture. If you prefer a bright sheen, this effect can be achieved with a quick polish. All of our pieces can be polished with a brass cleaner (we use Brasso) and a soft cloth or paper towel. To clean using ingredients you may already have at home, mix lemon juice and baking soda into a paste, rub onto surface with a cloth, then rinse off and buff dry to a shine. To care for your horn jewelry, avoid exposure to excessive moisture or sunlight. Wipe clean with a soft cloth.

What else you should know:

  1. Remove jewelry before participating in physical activity or going to bed.
  2. Store your jewelry in a cloth bag away from natural sunlight and heat.
  3. For brass: use a gentle metal polisher and a soft cloth to remove tarnish and restore luster.
  4. Materials don't mix well with moisture. Avoid contact with water, lotion and perfume.

Oh, and here's one more hack for keeping and cleaning your brass jewelry.

Vinegar, Salt and Flour: These home staples may be used to make a paste to clean tarnished brass. Here's how. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into one-half cup of vinegar, and add flour until the mixture becomes a paste. Rub into the brass, leave for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and buff dry.

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T&T jewelry is handmade with quality and attention to detail. With that said, proper care will ensure that your piece stays perfect for years to come. Each piece is different and has to be treated as such. Here are ways to care for your piece depending on the materials:

BRASS

Brass is an amazing material because it has a light gold color to start but then darkens with time. Areas that rub or touch the skin will stay bright and gold while other areas will darken and give your piece amazing character. Should you want to keep it shiny and brand new use a rouge cloth to polish any un-wanted oxidation.

.925 STERLING SILVER

Silver is a precious metal but it does oxidize. Silver looks great with some dark spots of oxidation because it gives it character and the look of being worn. Should you want to keep it shiny and brand new use a rouge cloth to polish any un-wanted oxidation.

EXOTIC SKINS

Our exotic leathers are of the highest quality but for maximum life remove pieces before showering and swimming. If you would like your leather pieces to retain its original color and patina use a leather protectant that you would use for your high end shoes and bags.

T&T Materials

T&T sources exotic skins from Spain, pearls from the Tahitian islands, Turquoise from Nepal, and the list goes on. The materials speak for themselves.

T&T jewelry is refined yet raw, highlighting the essence of the materials utilized in each collection. Metals used enhance what is being showcased and often include either .925 sterling silver, 14 karat gold filled sheet and chains, or solid brass to bring out the character of each design. 

*Please note that product care and warranty guidelines reflect information provided by each brand.

Naija Pride by Love Dot. The Ankara Kimono.

Caring for Ankara.

Color Preservation.

Our Ankara Kimonos are all handmade using the highest quality wax fabrics. To preserve the color we recommend washing your garment by hand, or at the very least, cold-wash on a gentle cycle. Dry cleaning is always an option. It is widely known that regular wash cycles can contribute to fading colors, even if you are careful to always wash your garments cold. 

Drying and Ironing Your Ankara Pieces.

Just as spin cycles are a no-no, you should never tumble dry your African print garments either – it will only compromise the richness of the colors and will contribute to a shorter lifecycle. The ideal way to dry your Ankara Kimono is by hanging it or laying it out to dry - just never in direct sunlight (this will bleach the fabric). To iron, always do so on the inside to preserve the colors. Use the cotton setting of your iron and double check settings should you be using attachments for linen or other delicate fabrics, as these may follow a higher setting that could damage your garment.