# Seeds, tagua and nuts

> Seeds, tagua (vegetable ivory) and nuts become eco-friendly, colorful and light beads for necklaces and bracelets.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/seeds-and-tagua/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-16
- Updated: 2026-08-16
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/semillas-y-tagua/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

---

Many seeds and nuts have always been used as beads: they are light, natural and very varied. Red and black seeds, Job's tears, tagua or Ecuadorian “vegetable ivory” and pieces of coconut are polished, drilled and strung into natural-looking necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

## Properties

- **Examples:** tagua (vegetable ivory), huayruro, Job's tears, açaí, rudraksha, coconut and bamboo.
- **Hardness:** variable: tagua is hard and carves almost like bone; other seeds are more fragile.
- **Look:** earth tones, reds, blacks and whites, with a natural grain.
- **Weight:** light and comfortable.
- **Working:** drilled, polished, dyed and sealed with oil or varnish.

## Uses in jewelry

- Necklaces and bracelets of seed beads.
- Lightweight earrings.
- Carved tagua as an ethical substitute for ivory.
- Combination with cord, leather and metal.

## Pros and cons

### Advantages

- Eco-friendly and renewable.
- Very light.
- A wide range of natural colors.

### Limitations

- It is sensitive to moisture.
- Some seeds wear and lose color.
- Some seeds are toxic if chewed or swallowed.

## Care and cleaning

- Avoid getting them wet; dry them if they do.
- Clean with a dry cloth.
- Check the thread regularly.

> [!NOTE]
> Some brightly colored seeds, such as Abrus precatorius, are highly toxic. Do not use this kind of seed in jewelry for children or anywhere it could end up in a mouth.

## See also

- [Wood](https://www.711grados.com/en/wood/)
- [Rope and cord](https://www.711grados.com/en/rope-and-cord/)
- [Bone and ivory](https://www.711grados.com/en/bone-and-ivory/)