Handcrafted in Ecuador from the tagua seed - nature's "vegetable ivory" - the necklace that sparks the conversation before you've said a word.
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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”!
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!
Beautiful necklace for my daughter in law ,it’s a present to welcome her home from Australia .I know she will be delighted ,thankyou
Fabulous jewellery & .marvellous service
Easy peasy , the only difficulty is choosing!
It is absolutely gorgeous , it is actually a present for my daughter’s birthday in October so it is now safely tucked away . I just know she will love it
I haven't worn it yet and it looks gorgeous. Great, speedy service from friendly people, the necklace arrived beautifully packed. I'd bought two, as wasn't sure which one I wanted, and the refund was issued within hours of it being received back with Happy Elephant.. thank you. I'm looking forward to wearing it!
Wonderful jewellery ❤️
Easy to order and quick delivery
It’s everything I hoped it would be
Very good
My Chica necklace and matching bracelet were the perfect birthday present for me. I already have the earrings to match !!
I love my happy Elephant jewellery !!
Lovely necklace but the customer service went above and beyond! Absolutely brilliant!
Beautifully made, as expected.
I love all the jewellery which I have purchased.
Unique designs and well made,
Stunning colours
Lovely, bright, light and interesting!
This store specializes in handcrafted tagua nut jewelry featuring vibrant colors and lightweight designs. Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality, beautiful packaging with handwritten notes, and outstanding customer service. The jewelry is ethica...
For over five years we have worked with Cesar, one of Ecuador’s finest Indigenous tagua artisans. He, his wife and his brothers carefully craft The Happy Elephant jewellery.
Tagua seeds are first dried in the sun for three months. They are then carved into pieces, tumbled to produce a high polish, and dyed using colourfast specialist dyes made for natural materials such as tagua, wool and linen.
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 very durable. Crafted from a naturally hard material tagua jewellery 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.
Tagua begins as a sweet liquid that can be drunk, then sets into 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!
It comes beautifully gift wrapped and includes an information leaflet that not only tells the story of tagua, but also about our artisans who make the jewellery.
These necklaces are beautiful. I have bought two of the FLOREANA necklaces with matching earrings in different colour ways - one for a birthday present and one for myself. I’ve also bought a different style necklace and earrings for another birthday present. I hope the recipients love them as much as I do. They are so easy to put on and adjust to the length you like.
Hi there! Thank you so much for your lovely words. We're thrilled you enjoy the necklaces and hope your recipients love them too. The slip knot is such a useful feature in allowing so much adjustability in the length.
Beautiful colours as promised. I don't often wear jewellery as I find tgf weight irritating but this is just so light. Looking forward to wearing it on holiday set off against my white linen dress.
Hi Mary, Thank you so much for letting us know what you love about your Floreana necklace. You are not alone in finding so much jewellery uncomfortable due to the weight. Have a wonderful holiday made that little bit extra special due to tagua.
I love this necklace it looks great and is light to wear whilst looking heavier. I have received many compliments. The necklace is easy to change lengths when wearing, especially with bad dexterity in both hands.
Thank you Julia for sending your review with a photo. You wrote such a warm and practical review thank you so so much. I know this will be really helpful for others where dexterity is an issue.
Absolutely beautiful, I didn't expect it to be so light and shiny!! Gorgeous colours!!!! I love it !!!
A big thank you Valerie for not only your review but for sending a photo as well.
Really enjoy wearing these necklaces - wonderful colours, great service, buying more!!!!
II was looking for a bolts, elegant statement, necklace and earrings for long time. I came across while googling on the happy elephants jewellery, and I was smitten not only by the design, but also by the story. I’m very happy with my Florence, necklace and earrings. I was also touched by the note that Alison attached to the parcel . I cherish the personal contact with the seller, which nowadays is very rare. I have met John at St Albans market. It was good to chat with him, and … of course.., I bought another piece, this time blue Rachel as a present for my friend’s birthday.
Thank you so much Eva for taking the time to make a video review - so helpful for other customers too! Enjoy your beautiful statement necklace and Mark really enjoyed meeting you at St Albans too! We also love our contact with our customers and are committed to ensuring our customers are happy!
This necklace exceeded my expectations. It's well made and beautiful. Tactile and lovely colours, easy to adjust the length.
Many thanks for taking the time to review your beautiful necklace. I'm so happy it exceeded your expectations - another customer just emailed me today to say the same! Makes me very happy, thank you.
I haven't worn it yet and it looks gorgeous. Great, speedy service from friendly people, the necklace arrived beautifully packed. I'd bought two, as wasn't sure which one I wanted, and the refund was issued within hours of it being received back with Happy Elephant.. thank you. I'm looking forward to wearing it!
Hi Sarah, thank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear you love the necklace and appreciated our service. We try our best. But we are always learning so thank you for the boost.
Love it. The feel and look are even better than the photos suggested
Hi Karen, you make a really interesting observation - the feel of tagua. It is such a calming influence.
Lovely stylish products in gorgeous colours.
Yes we do love colour here at The Happy Elephant! 🐘
Another beautiful one off from The happy elephant. Many thanks Beatrice
Hi Beatrice,so happy you love these unique pieces.
See my review for earrings
Such pretty colour combinations in all the jewellery but I particularly like this blue and yellow. Same colours as I'm trying to get in my garden!
Hi so glad you love the blue and yellow in your necklace. Hopefully your garden will catch up. Not easy though with the lack of rain!!
Very pleased with my nicely presented necklace, I love the ethos and the actual item is so smooth, bright and lightweight. I will invest in another in a different design and colourway when it comes back into stock. Thank you.
Hi there! We're thrilled to hear you love your necklace and appreciate the ethos. Thank you for your kind words. We are expecting a delivery today - 10/8/26 - so hope your next piece is there.
Very pleased with both my necklaces. Wore one of them to a coffee morning a couple of days later. Delivery was quick, packaging excellent.
Hi Iris, we're so happy to hear you love your necklaces! Thanks for sharing your experience and for supporting our small business. Enjoy wearing them your beautiful tagua pieces.
Love the colours ( like all my others). Light to wear & well admired.
Hi Carole, we're so happy to hear you love the colours and find the necklace light and admired! Thanks for sharing your lovely feedback.
Lovely necklace and great customer service 😊
Thank you Sue.
This is the 8th necklace I have bought for myself and friends. They are all absolutely beautiful and the sliding knots make life easy for my slightly arthritic hands. I also like that I can easily change the length to suit my outfit.
I had a query on one purchase which was dealt with swiftly and pleasantly.
Thank you Margaret for such a lovely review. Thank you too for being such a loyal customer! I'm so happy that the sliding knots are helpful for you - so much better than fiddly clasps! Enjoy your jewellery.
Really pretty, wore it straight away. The colours make it an ideal necklace with summer outfits.
Just love this jewellery the look of it and the ethical way it is made. Will treat myself to more when I can.
Thank you Eileen for sharing your review. We love happy customers here at The Happy Elephant
Verypretty necklace which I am pleased with
Hi Rena, we're so happy to hear you love the necklace. Thanks for sharing your lovely feedback. Enjoy wearing it!
This necklace is lovely. I bought it to go with a particular dress. I don’t usually wear these colours but it is striking. Bonus is it goes with more of my outfits than I thought.
Thank you Mary for your review and how good your purchase far exceeded your expectations
Delighted with my new jewellery! Beautifully made, lovely colours and easy to wear.
What a great line: 'Beautifully made, lovely colours and easy to wear.' I may steal that one for an email or the website.
Wonderful colours, very comfortable!
Just need some more for different outfits!!
Hi Anne now that is an excellent idea!!!
Just loved it, hoping it will wake up a tired old face!
