TAGUA JEWELLERY, WHERE EVERY PIECE IS ONE OF A KIND - LIKE YOU
- Literally grows on trees - yes, on trees!
- 100% natural, 100% hypoallergenic
PLANT BASED JEWELLERY HANDCRAFTED FROM VEGETABLE IVORY
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Let customers speak for us
MEET THE FOUNDER
Hi! I’m Alison and I often get asked how a ‘wee Scottish lass’ like me ended up living in Ecuador, starting a jewellery business with artisans in the Andes, and falling in love with one of the most of amazing natural wonders in the plant kingdom. It’s a crazy story but true! And I haven’t even told you yet how the jewellery helps save elephants and how I made my husband my business partner and we ended up as “The Happy Elephant”!
“Love that I can vary its length so easily. It's lovely to wear and is always commented on when I wear it." - Wendy P.
GALAPAGOS — Handmade Tagua Statement Necklace
HYPOALLERGENIC, NON-TOXIC, NON-METAL - 100% PLANT MATERIAL
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Meet The Artisans
When living in Ecuador, we were fortunate enough to meet two of Ecuador’s finest tagua artisans, Cesar and his wife Teresa. For five years we have worked hand-in-hand with this talented Indigenous Quichua artisan family who bring to life beautiful handcrafted jewellery from nature.
What we love is the connections we have made over the years and how we have come to rely on one another. We felt so moved that our very first order with Cesar meant he was able buy his family their very first washing machine!
FAQs
What is tagua and how does it save elephants?
Tagua (pronounced ‘TAG-wah’) is the seed of the tagua palm native to Ecuador. Often referred to as "vegetable ivory," it resembles elephant ivory but is entirely plant-based, providing a practical alternative. As an ivory substitute, the tagua nut can truly be called an elephant’s friend!
Is tagua jewellery good for sensitive skin?
Tagua jewellery is perfect for sensitive skin. It is 100% plant material, 100% hypoallergenic and 100% non-toxic.
Does tagua have special properties?
Our experience is that many give an audible gasp when they first hold a tagua nut! Touching tagua is unlike anything you’ve ever touched before!
Tagua has a smooth, soothing tactile feel that many find calming and stress relieving. The touch of Tagua comforts the senses.
Just like being in nature gives us a sense of calm and well-being, tagua (coming from a plant) does just the same! What an incredible material!
Who makes it and how?
For over 5 years we have worked with Cesar, one of Ecuador’s finest Indigenous tagua artisans. He and his wife and brothers carefully craft The Happy Elephant jewellery.
Tagua seeds are first dried in the sun for 3 mths. They are then carved into pieces, tumbled to produce a high polish, and dyed with Italian vegetable and mineral dyes.
How sustainable is tagua?
Tagua is incredibly sustainable, offering multiple environmental benefits that make it a true eco-friendly material. When you choose tagua, you're supporting rainforest conservation, providing fair wages to local communities, and helping protect endangered elephants by offering a renewable alternative to ivory.
How durable is it?
Tagua jewellery is incredibly durable, crafted from a naturally hard material that can be worn every day while maintaining its beauty.
Is it heavy to wear?
No - tagua jewellery is ultra lightweight. This is one of the unique benefits of tagua that our customers comment on.
Can those with nut allergies wear tagua nut?
Yes! Tagua is actually a seed, not a nut, making it safe for those with nut allergies to wear. However, if you have severe allergies, it's always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider first.
How do the necklaces fasten?
The tagua necklaces fasten with a slip knot*, providing easy adjustability for a comfortable fit and allowing you to change the length to complement multiple outfits. This design eliminates fiddly clasps, making it effortless to pop on and take off! (*unless specified)
Can you eat Tagua?
Tagua begins as a sweet liquid that can be drunk, then changes to a jelly that’s edible, and finally hardens into a durable seed perfect for carving.
Can I send a gift directly?
Yes of course! Just add your product, and at checkout add your giftee’s address in the shipping info, and any personal note you’d like to send and we’ll do the rest!
Do you include the story of tagua in the package?
Yes your package includes a Story Leaflet with not only the story of tagua, but also our artisan’s story.