ABOUT OUR JEWELRY
Galapagos Tagua Brand Jewelry creates bold, eco-friendly statement pieces from sustainable tagua, handcrafted by Fair Trade artisans in Ecuador and Colombia—lightweight, vibrant, and naturally unique.
Each piece is made in partnership with skilled artisans whose work supports their families and strengthens their local communities. Alejandra works closely one-on-one with these artisans, building lasting relationships that ensure quality craftsmanship while preserving traditional techniques.
Tagua is a natural, renewable material harvested from the seeds of palm trees, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. Each piece begins as a raw seed and is carefully transformed through a detailed process of drying, carving, dyeing, and polishing by hand. The result is jewelry that is not only environmentally responsible, but also rich in texture, color, and individuality.
ABOUT TAGUA NUT
Tagua nut, also known as corozo or "vegetable ivory", is a seed from a palm tree that grows primarily in the tropical regions of northern South America, including Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. Its natural resemblance to elephant ivory has led to it being widely recognized as a sustainable alternative.
After harvesting, the seeds are dried under the tropical sun for one to three months, depending on their moisture content. Once fully hardened, they are carefully peeled, sliced, and hand-carved into a variety of shapes based on their intended use. Tagua has a natural creamy white color and can be dyed using natural ingredients, then polished to achieve its signature smooth, glossy finish.
This versatile material has been used for generations to create a wide range of products, including buttons, jewelry, chess pieces, piano keys, and umbrella handles.
Welcome to our shop. We hope you are delighted by the unique and beautiful jewelry we offer—proudly crafted in Ecuador and Colombia and shared with the world.
ABOUT THE OWNER
Thank you for visiting my store. My name is Alejandra and I am the owner of GalapagosTagua, I am currently located in beautiful Florida, but I am originally from Ecuador.
GalapagosTagua was born by the love to my home country, mixed with my entrepreneurial spirit, and my need to help artisans from Ecuador, to continue with a tradition that comes from generations, while receiving the means to achieve a dignified livelihood.
It was towards the end of 2016 that GalapagosTagua started business on Etsy – please check our 5 star rating – and thanks to the support of all of our dear customers, we have been growing and have expanded into our own online store.
OUR COMMITMENT TO FAIR TRADE PRACTICES
From production to purchase, Fair Trade represents a model of ethical, sustainable trade that prioritizes both people and the planet. It is a simple way to make a meaningful impact through everyday choices.
We believe that what we buy matters, not only for ourselves but for the global communities behind each product. Fair Trade connects those choices to real livelihoods, ensuring that farmers and artisans are treated with respect, paid fairly, and supported in building stronger futures.
Choosing Fair Trade Certified™ goods means supporting responsible businesses, empowering workers, and helping protect the environment. It is not just a better way to shop, it is a better way to do business.