Tagua trees grown in Amazon, Ecuador and Columbia. They produce nuts that are soft when they fall from the tree and they can be carved and coloured. They set hard after a few months in the sun. They are referred to as “vegetable ivory” as it resembles the ivory from elephants, however it is an alternative to ivory to therefore preserve the elephants. This jewellery piece is handcrafted by a family in a coastal village called Sosote. It is purchased under Fair Trade policies, which ensures fair work and payment to the artisans.
Each nut measures 3.5cm x 2.5cm