Laser Cut Tagua Bead Cubes - 4 Units (15MM,RED) The Tagua Nut, commonly known as "vegetable ivory", earned its name from its ivory-like color and texture. With the near extinction of animal ivory, Tagua nuts have become a highly valued commodity by artisans and consumers alike.  The Tagua ("tah-gwa") nut is also called vegetable or palm ivory and is a truly sustainable raw material. The tree fruits naturally on a regular basis after maturing at around 40 years of age.  The Tagua nut is ivory white in color with natural inclusions that run from gray to brown. They range in size from 2" to 6". The example at left is a Tagua nut that has been polished. Because of its close resemblance to animal ivory the nut of the Tagua palm has had a long history as a useful product as an effort to protect endangered species such as elephants, whales and walruses that have been a source of animal ivory. In one year a Tagua palm produces the same amount of "ivory" as one female elephant. The Tagua nuts, however, are harvested by hand without harming the tree. We buy our Tagua pieces from the Tagua Initiative. In 1990, Conservation International began expanding the market for Tagua products and developing a local industry around Tagua. A primary objective of The Tagua Initiative is to provide the 1,200 local harvesters with an attractive price for Tagua so that they have an economic incentive to protect the standing forest. To increase the flow of income to the native economy, Conservation International encourages the development of new Tagua products that can be manufactured locally. Currently, the Tagua production line has expanded to include eight manufacturers of jewelry, arts and crafts, and other items. Experiment the Power, Mystery and Grandeur of Rain Forest and Help a Cause: A jewelry piece made of non viable seeds, such Tagua and other seeds, is not only a product for sale. They carry with them the concept of sustainability and of respect for the environment. The purchase of these seeds is an alternative income generation, and helps to keep seeds gatherers and families on the Forest they, live, love and protect. PLEASE NOTE: Keep in mind, these jewelry pieces are made from natural Seeds. They do have small flaws from the seed veins, variations in color, shape, and size. NO TOW PIECES ARE ALIKE.