Oct 28, 2007

Plant Jewelry To Replace Ivory

Plant Jewelry To Replace Ivory
LeJu is a name that puts together two talents; Lenny Trines, Dutch jewelry designer and Juana Munoza, Columbian businesswomen in London. Lenny revealed her natural talent and creativity working on and studying techniques used by different South American artists. Inspired by nature, she wants to stop the cruel killing of elephants, and as an alternative she offers jewelry made of South American palm seeds called “ivory” which is secure and of good quality. We must not forget that nature is full of beautiful colours and structures that reflect themselves in people’s life.


Hand made jewelry features spectacular light colours and has ivory’s smooth texture and lightness – but not its cruelty. Using plant seeds also stimulates South American economy and it could slow down the destruction of the rain forest. Ivory palm seeds are dried and sliced into pieces, then carved into pearls, to prepare them for being coloured with natural extracts and vegetable oils.


We discovered the “Ivory plant” during our expeditions in South America in 2004. We traveled along the river and through the Amazon forest for eight weeks, stopping in different villages looking for and meeting people who live there. We went for a walk in the jungle escorted by a guide who showed us different kinds of plants and trees which are employed as medicines… That is how we discovered Tagua palm seeds, the “ivory plant”, and other tropical seeds naturally painted in different colours. Lenny was surprised by the look and the base of existing vegetable products, she felt a special bond with Amazon and a need to design and create jewelry – Juana said in an interview for Vogue.


LeJu exhibited its jewelry during last year’s week and they were more than thrilled by the audience’s positive reaction.


This is a bond between natural colours, shapes, energy and people. Our costumers like when we use existing natural materials with which we create unique jewelry items.

Source: javno

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