Handcrafted in Ecuador from the tagua seed - nature's "vegetable ivory" - such a joy to wear, such a talking point to own.
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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!
As before easy peasy .
This is beautiful, love it to bits ! Thank you for such wonderful ideas
Lovely necklace. Looking forward to ordering another in different colour, maybe also earrings.
Absolutely love my necklace.its so pretty, I’m debating ordering another or even the earrings.
Arrived quickly and beautifully packaged
Another beautiful necklace and so easy to wear with almost everything!
Easy to use website and prompt delivery
A beautiful bracelet. I am thrilled with it. I thoroughly recommend this company, their jewellery is amazing.
An easy website to use. Excellent service all round.
These are perfect earring! The colour pops and lifts any outfit. Thank you.
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!
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.
Love this necklace although it is a bit more limey than the illustration - could do with one darker disc for contrast. However, overall it is perfect for matching with green, brown or blue tops for a different pop of colour. Very easy to adjust length. Don’t think this will be my last purchase!!!
It looks lovely on you! Thanks so much for taking the time to review the Gaby Necklace and enjoy wearing it!
I originally saw a post on facebook and loved the colours and designs of the jewellery, however it was the source of the materials that really interested me. However I’m wary about purchasing from Facebook! But I was visiting St Albans recently, wandered through the market and saw a jewellery stall selling necklaces that looked the same as the ones I’d seen on facebook, I then realised it was the same company, had a lovely chat with the stall holder and made my purchase. To be honest it was very difficult choosing as they are all so beautiful, either different colours or natural, so tactile and very light to wear. I’m extremely happy with my purchase, glad to have seen them in person and will definitely be buying from them again.
Thank you for such a lovely review! And what a coincidence to meet you in person after you had been thinking of making a purchase! What a small world, and enjoy your beautiful necklace from nature.
I already have a pink necklace which I love, and decided a blue one would be equally useful. I wear a lot of black, blue or white, so now I'll be able to add a pop of either colour.
Dear Joy thak you for all your loyal custom. We hope you continue enjoying wearing your beautiful tagua necklaces.
My sister visited recently and admired my Happy Elephant jewellery so this will be a present for her. She’s lucky that I already have 2-3 green necklaces so she might actually get it!
Really funny Sue. But the question is has it been sent yet????
Once again I am just so happy with this jewellery range. My new obsession is orange - never worn it before but I just love the ooomph and punch it packs.
Hi Sue, so glad hear you're loving the orange tone! Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm with us. Happy wearing! It will be perfect for this summer weather!
Loving Gaby - Well admired. The mix of these colours suit my outfits.
Thanks to the person who made this.
Hi Carole the Gaby style is one of our favourites too. I will pass on your compliments to Cesar in Ecuador. That will mean so much to him and his team.
Once again very pleased with the quality and delivery of another lovely necklace
Absolutely stunning necklace in a beautiful colour. This was not my first purchase from Happy Elephant and is not the last, as I have already ordered a bracelet to hopefully complement it!
I love the colours and the tactile nature of the beads. I bought a matching pair of earrings - so much choice. The service was excellent too.
I love the lightness of this jewellery and the beautiful colours. Nice to be able to get a necklace and matching earrings. I like to support small family businesses. The items were dispatched very quickly and in a suitable box.
This is a present for my mum for Christmas, but I know she’s going to love it! Well packaged and fast delivery. Thanks so much!
Really love the green Gaby. I like the adjustable length and that the necklace is lightweight. It’s already been admired a number of times.
Thank you for a beautiful review - it really is a beauty from nature isn't it! Enjoy wearing it and the compliments that inevitably come!
Lovely colours and perfect to go with linen trousers and tops I have in green mix stripes to dress up the outfits. Very light in weight. Fascinating story behind the jewellery. Definitely an eye catching statement piece - sure to get compliments.
Thank you for your review and you will be surprised what an amazing talking point Tagua jewellery is.
The necklace is so light, and sits really well on my neck. The colours are gorgeous - clear, not “muddy” or dull. It goes so nicely with almost all of my tops and dresses, both summer and winter weight. I enjoy wearing it! Thank you.
Thank you Judith for such a personal and helpful review
Absolutely stunning necklace. Love the colour and shape and so beautifully made.
Hi Catherine thank you for your review. I can really feel your joy.
I love my Gaby necklace! I have already had several comments about it and passed on the Happy Elephant info. Such a joy to wear.
I love my necklace and earrings to match. They look lovely with so many outfits. Especially against a black top and I’ve had lots of great comments about them too.
Thank you
