Tagua background

Organic jewellery hand-crafted in Colombia.



The story of the organic 'Tagua nut'

Tagua is grown on a palm-like tree that grows up to a height of 30ft in a few tropical regions of South America. The tree produces a nut that ranges in size from a cherry to a grapefruit, with an average size being similar to that of a hen's egg. 

When ripe, the nuts fall to the ground and are gathered and dried for up to 8 weeks, when they become extremely hard - giving them the nickname of vegetable ivory.

The cellular structure is similar to that of elephant ivory, but is more dense and resilient. It resembles the finest ivory in texture and colour and is slightly softer than mammal ivory, usually containing a void in the centre of the nut. The nut is not toxic.  

For over 200 years Tagua has been chosen by ivory carvers for the production of artefacts and traditional games. In the late 1800s this ivory nut was used to make some of the finest buttons in the clothing industry. Tagua is a commodity of global importance and artesanias choose it to manufacture articles of utility and luxury.

This vegetable ivory nut has become more popular again recently as an ethical and sustainable alternative to the sourcing of mammal ivory such as that from elephants, whales, walrus and other species. The continued growth of Tagua allows Colombian farmers to generate an income from a responsible crop and helps to drive reforestation.

The traditional Indians of Peru and Colombia used the Tagua nut to represent women, because of its great romantic energy. During those times, the artesanias endlessly polished the Tagua to make different symbols. Each member of the clan was given one to carry around their neck, believing that the person who wore it would be protected by the love of family and friends.

How is Tagua made into organic jewellery? 



The nut needs to be dried naturally to separate it from its shell. Once separated it has a dark grey skin which must be removed to reveal the beautiful ivory colour.

The Tagua nut is then placed in what look like a huge tumble dryer with a mixture of water and sand. It is then left to spin overnight and by the morning the skin has been removed.  With a bit of polishing the nut has a fantastic finish.

The perfect Tagua nuts are then dyed using vegetable dye to produce bright, luxurious colours preffered by a western market. 

The nuts are then sliced and shaped by hand to make stunning, unique styles and designs of jewellery to be really noticed in.

Be unique in a crowd of the ordinary!