In the heart of Ecuador's Andes, we've found a special partnership with César, a skilled tagua artisan from the indigenous Quichua community.
César, his wife Teresa, and their four children live surrounded by the majestic Imbabura volcano, preserving their rich cultural heritage while creating beautiful tagua jewellery.
Working with César and Teresa is more than just business—it's about family, culture, and preserving a way of life.
It's a privilege to support their craft and share their vibrant world with others. Their dedication and love for each piece is truly inspiring, and I'm always in awe of their skill and creativity.
Being able to visit them in their home, surrounded by the breathtaking Andean landscape, is always a highlight of my returning trips to Ecuador. It's a partnership that goes beyond just making jewellery - it's about creating lasting friendships and making a real difference in people's lives.
César and Teresa, our main artisan partners, skillfully craft tagua jewellery in their Otavalo home, blending traditional techniques with contemporary designs.
Oswaldo (César's older brother) and Magdalena contribute their expertise to the family's tagua artistry, helping to create beautiful, sustainable pieces.
Edwin (César's younger brother) and Sarita add their unique touch to the family's tagua craft, continuing the rich tradition of Quichua artisanship in the Ecuadorian Andes.
With 18 years of experience working with tagua, César sees his craft as a blessing. He says:
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!
Tagua jewellery is perfect for sensitive skin. It is 100% plant material, 100% hypoallergenic and 100% non-toxic.
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!
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 months. They are then carved into pieces, tumbled to produce a high polish, and dyed with Italian vegetable and mineral dyes.
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.
Tagua jewellery is incredibly durable, crafted from a naturally hard material that can be worn every day while maintaining its beauty.
No - tagua jewellery is ultra lightweight. This is one of the unique benefits of tagua that our customers comment on.
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.
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)
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.
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!
Yes your package includes a Story Leaflet with not only the story of tagua, but also our artisan’s story.
