Sea Turtle Tagua Necklace

Take a bit of Panama's warm seas everywhere you go with this sea turtle necklace, carved by hand from tagua nut. Its golden shell is outlined in dark brown, and its cream flippers are dotted with black spots. It makes a thoughtful gift for turtle fans, beach lovers, or anyone who enjoys handmade jewelry. It hangs from an 18 inch stainless steel chain with a lobster claw clasp.

Tagua is the seed of a palm that grows in the rainforests of Central and South America. Once dried, the inside turns hard, smooth and creamy white, much like ivory, which is why it is called vegetable ivory. The seeds are gathered after they fall to the forest floor, so no tree or animal is harmed. Indigenous carvers in Panama's rainforest, most of them Wounaan and Emberá, shape each piece with hand tools, then sand it, polish it and paint it by hand with fine inks, so no two pieces are ever alike. We supply our carvers with artist grade inks that are certified non-toxic.

Founded in 1991, TraderBrock celebrates the handcraft of Latin America's indigenous peoples. We work with Guna, Wounaan and Emberá artisans we know by name, and all profits go back into their communities for education, tools and the teaching of ancestral techniques.

Material: Tagua nut (vegetable ivory)
Made in: Panama
Chain: Stainless steel, 18 inches, with a lobster claw clasp
Care: Keep dry, take off before swimming or showering, and wipe with a soft cloth
SKU: 22011002T