Keeping It Real is Hotter Than Ever in Jewelry

Many of our jewelry styles are made of simple, natural materials.

Natural Appeal

Basic materials are the attraction in simple jewelry

Since the days when man first started wearing bling, naturally occurring materials of various values have been used in jewelry making. Today, precious stones and fine metals are certainly prized components of quality jewelry, but recent trends in fashion suggest an increasing fascination with more basic elements used in jewelry designs like leather, wood, inexpensive natural stones, bone, shells, seeds and string.

There are many reasons for the drawing power of these materials, but since they are what we use to make our products, we like to think the allure is similar to the cultural appeal of a tropical island. Jewelry constructed with natural materials like leather, cotton, hemp, seeds, barks and common metals make them unique, exotic and very attractive.

Just as enticing as a warm tropic destination, jewelry of basic natural materials go with everything in current style. It can be anything you want it to be and appropriate for who you are, no matter the occasion. There really are no rules with natural, simple material jewelry, but there are numerous benefits, not the least of which can be a reminder or personal symbol of respect and connection to the kingdom of nature.

The current popularity of jewelry from basic and natural materials goes way beyond trend, just as anyone who wears it will tell you. For many, a heightened visual appeal comes from the natural quality, pleasing colors and textures, expected endurance and uncomplicated designs that are characteristic of our top-selling styles. For others, it is the earthy look and feeling that is ideal for the urban jungles or stomping grounds of our life.

Just as a single palm tree standing alone can be stunning, a group of palms growing together on an oasis can be a handsome display of nature’s wonder and compatibility. So in a visual parallel, it is understandable why mixing more than one piece of natural material jewelry, even if the pieces are hot when worn individually, is an awesome look that is uniquely the wearer’s design. 

Wearing several pieces of natural, simple material jewelry at the same time is an effective way to customize the assembly for your individual style.  Keep in mind that not all natural materials look good together and the distraction of a single piece can ruin the whole look. So while a leather bracelet might not look too great when worn with a chain encrusted with diamonds, bracelets made of wooden beads, shells, seeds, hemp, and cotton are perfect partners with leather. The more basic the materials, the more likely they are to look good and make you feel good wearing the appealing combinations you create.

Visit palmleather.com to see our latest natural material jewelry designs.

Ivory That Grows In A Tree

An elephant enjoys the fiber from a palm frond

Ecological Fashion from Palm Ivory

From the palms of the jungles of South America, a marvelous alternative to cutting down rain forests also grows as replacement for elephant ivory. This ecological gem, known as vegetable ivory or palm ivory, is a classic symbol of working with the fruits of nature in harmony with the environment to save a threatened species, not even native to where the Palm Ivory grows.

The hard endosperm of the palm nuts from the Genus Phytelephas closely resemble elephant ivory. Shaped like an avocado or teardrop, nuts are typically 1” wide and 1.5” long. When dried in the sun for 4 to 6 months, the nut is sliced, dyed, drilled and polished by tumbling in water and jungle stones. The nut is carved for use in beads, buttons, figurines and jewelry.  With spectacular jewel-like qualities and from colors that are obtained when dyed, the Tagua or Corozo, as they are also known, are becoming popular for their beauty and as meaningful fashion items that make a statement about ecology.

Wax Palms tower over a Columbian Valley

The few species of the Palm Ivory in South America grow in their native countries of Ecuador, Columbia and Brazil. P. Macrocarpa is native to Brazil and the chief source of Palm Ivory for International markets. The kernels are harvested from the ground and prepared by removing the outer husk. The nut shrinks as it hardens to an ivory color and feel. Slicing, carving and water-tumbling are traditional methods used to prepare the natural product of exquisite and unique magnificence.

Palm Ivory Pendant

For more than 140 years, the Ivory Palm has been used as an Ivory substitute without much fanfare. In consideration of earth’s resources and the plight of elephants worldwide, the significance of the Palm Ivory is growing. As an eco-friendly product that renewable and sustainable, the nuts from one tree equal the Ivory from one elephant. Use of the Palm Ivory nut and education about it helps to protect the elephant and supports the employment of the many people of the rain forests.

Scientific records indicate that the indigenous people started giving the Palm Ivory nut to carry around their necks long ago, believing that the person who wore it was protected by the love of friends and family. If this belief is true, it is one more benefit from the wondrous Palm Ivory.

More Information

The International Elephant Foundation (IEF) supports conservation, education and research of the world’s elephants with a commitment to affect positive change through the facilitation of elephant conservation and sound scientific investigation resulting in the protection of elephants for future generations. For more information about how you can help in elephant conservation, please visit http://www.elephantconservation.org/

For examples of handcrafted jewelry from the Palm Ivory nut, visit palmleather.com