If you’ve never heard of Tagua, you’re in for a treat. Often called vegetable ivory, this remarkable material comes straight from nature — from the seeds of a palm tree that grows in parts of South America.
At first glance, Tagua looks like a hard, off-white nut (which it is!), but once it’s polished and shaped, it has the most beautiful smooth texture and gentle sheen, a bit like real ivory — only completely cruelty-free. That’s one of the reasons I love working with it. It’s sustainable, eco-friendly, and every piece feels like a little celebration of nature’s creativity.
From Nut to Necklace
The process of turning Tagua into jewellery feels almost magical. It begins with raw Tagua nuts that are dried for several months until they harden. Once ready, they’re sliced, carved or shaped — and because each nut has its own natural pattern and shade, no two beads are ever quite the same.
Then comes my favourite part: colour! Tagua takes on dyes so beautifully, creating rich, earthy tones — deep reds, ocean blues, golden yellows and soft creams. When you string them together, the colours seem to glow with life.
Every time I make a new Tagua piece, I’m reminded how satisfying it is to work with something that’s been entirely crafted by nature’s hand.
Why I Love Working with Tagua
There’s something wonderfully authentic about Tagua jewellery. It’s lightweight yet durable, organic yet elegant — ideal for statement pieces that still feel natural and effortless to wear. And because every Tagua nut is unique, each necklace or bracelet has its own bit of character.
I also love sharing the story behind it — how something so simple, growing quietly in a rainforest, can become a piece of wearable art.
A Piece of Nature You Can Wear
If you’re drawn to jewellery that tells a story, supports sustainability and connects you with the natural world, Tagua is a truly special material to explore.
Each bead, curve and polished surface carries the warmth of nature and the creativity of the hands that shaped it.
So next time you come across a piece of Tagua jewellery, take a moment to notice its texture, its glow, and the journey it’s been on — from palm seed to a beautiful piece you can wear and treasure.