With the controversial issues surrounding the use of ivory, it is no surprise that jewelers have been looking for an alternative option. Jewelers have found that new inspiration in vegetable ivory, or more commonly known as tagua nut.
Tagua Seed can be found in South America and is made from the seed of palm trees. It is a very hard wood, of white coloring. Tagua nut been around for a while, as early as the 1880s, but is just now gaining popularity in jewelry.
One such jeweler who has started utilizing tagua nut is Brazilian artist and talented jeweler Fernando Jorge who went back to his roots. His latest High Jewelry collection Surround, has many pieces made of tagua seed he was able to get from his hometown of Brazil. A bracelet, ring and earring all include circular, donut shaped pieces of tagua nut that sare then highlighted by shimmering diamond centers. The subdued coloring of the tagua nut helps the bright diamond to stand out.
Since the launch his first collection in 2010, the Brazilian designer gained quite a reputation. Editors have fallen in love in with his genuine kindness, his unmistakable talent and creativity not to forget his noticeable humility. He has won awards at the Couture Show in Las Vegas and was nominated for the British Fashion Awards. Fernando Jorge analyses women in a way most designers cannot. His pieces are filled with movement, sensuality and energy.
With the popularity of this collection, we can’t wait to see not only what Fernando comes up with next, but also what other jewelers using this unique, organic and natural material that is the tagua nut.
