I have gathered together some background information about some of the seeds and nuts used in some of the jewellery I make. If you have any further relevant information which would be of interest I would love to hear from you, so please contact me.
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Huayruro seeds come from the huayruro tree (Latin name Ormosia). There are two varieties of these seeds, the "male" huayruro macho (red and black) and the "female" huayruro hembra (solid red). Huayruro seeds are symbols of fertility and abundance and are often used as good luck amulets. |
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Coquito ("small coconut" in Spanish) nuts are from the Amazonian palm tree Phytelephas tenuicaulis. |
Choloque seeds come from the soapberry plant (Latin name Sapindus saponaria) which produces fruits which if mashed turn water soapy. |
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Tagua nuts, also known as vegetable ivory, come from the palm Phytelephas and can be carved or sliced. |
Habilla seeds come from the habilla tree (Latin name Hura polyandra). |
These beads are all sourced from South America and, being natural materials, will of course have slight natural marks or imperfections.
* Some of these seeds can be poisonous if injested so don't let anyone munch on that lovely pair of earrings!
