Purple Tagua Nut (Vegetable Ivory) Earrings on antique gold

Description

Purple Tagua Nut (Vegetable Ivory) Earrings

On antique gold plated ear hooks (nickel free)

Each bead is approx. 1 inch long.  Guaranteed to be colourful and lightweight to wear.  You’ll want one in every colour!

How are they made?

The tagua nut or vegetable ivory nut comes from a palm like tree called Phytelephas Macrocarpa Palmae or Phytelephas Equatorialis. The tree grows to a height of 20 to 40 feet tall in several tropical rainforest regions in South America.

The tagua nuts are the size of hen’s eggs and grow in large pods called a cabeza which take a number of years to grow and ripen. When the cabeza ripens, it falls to the ground. Before the nut matures it has a milky sweet liquid in the center with a jelly like consistency and can be eaten.

cabeza pod

sliced cabeza pod

tagua nuts

The tagua nuts are gathered and dried for a number of weeks after which they become very hard and have the look and texture of ivory, hence the name vegetable ivory. The nut is then carved and coloured to make stunning and individual beads.

Please Note: As our Tagua Nut carvings are handmade the sizes, colours and shapes may vary slightly from those shown.  Makes it even more individual.  Like you!

We have a necklace and bracelet which match too!

Vegetable ivory offers an alternative to the senseless killing and illegal poaching of elephant ivory.

Tips when wearing your unique, ethical jewellery: Vegetable ivory dislikes water, perfume and skin creams. When applying perfume and skin cream please allow to dry before putting on your jewellery. Store in a cool, dry place.

We also recommend that you do not wear your jewellery whilst bathing, whilst in bed or during sporting activities.

Rebecca Anne Jewellery is made using natural, sustainable materials. Each design is lovingly handmade so by purchasing from Rebecca Anne Jewellery not only can you own a unique piece with its individual story, you can make a substantial difference to the environment.