Coco Loco Jewelry - Coconut Craft & Culture

Coconut Jewelry has been made for generations by local Indians native to the rainforests and coasts of South America. Our family has handcrafted this natural jewelry for over 50 years. In that time we have perfected the art to bring you the best quality in coconut jewelry. The three types of coconut used in the production of the rings and earrings are known as palm nuts. The Pati (pah-chee), the Dende (den-day), and the Piasava (pee-ah-sava) palm nuts are related to the Tagua nut of Africa, also known as vegetable ivory. When tumbled and polished these types of coconuts reveal the beautiful colors that lay hidden beneath their raw outer surface.

The Pati coconut, by far, has the most variation in color, ranging from light beige to dark brown. Never displaying one solid color, even the darkest of Pati rings will reveal hints of reds and light browns. The Dende coconut, closely related to the Licuri palm nut, exhibits a much deeper brown complemented by light beige streaks. The Piasava coconut, with its hazel-brown shell, is the largest coconut we use for our jewelry. This allows us to produce larger hoops, like the Gypsy and the Iris. What’s truly interesting is that after being worn for few weeks, the colors on the Piasava rings and earrings will slowly begin to change into a slightly darker, richer caramel brown.

Every ring as well as each individual hoop is handcrafted from one palm nut. Therefore no two rings can ever be exactly the same and no two hoops can ever be a precise match. For example, after the earrings are made and the proper wooden post fitted, we sift through them, and match them up to the best of our ability. The size of the rings and the earrings is the relative maturity of the palm nut it was carved from. Remember, the rings are made from coconut shell and can resist some pressure, but when mistreated may also crack. Please remove them before punching any brick walls.

As for us at Coco Loco………….
Currently based out of the Virgin Islands, our winters are spent traveling between the beaches of the Caribbean. On our backs…………….. the Box Bag! You may ask, “what is a Box Bag?” The ultimate tool for guerilla vending, the Box Bag is a display case that can be taken anywhere. It is worn like an ordinary back pack, but when worn across the chest and opened, it transforms into our shop! Our only overhead is the one we all share. Painted by Baba and designed by our close friend Kurt Schindler, the Box Bag has given us the mobility necessary to share the coconut culture. Give thanks Kurt.

When not on the beach or at local roots agricultural festivals and farmers markets, we help cultivate our friends organic farm. Located in the rainforest on the west end of St. Croix, near Mount Victory Campgrounds, Ben’s farm is 140 acres of native forest and pastures. Currently we grow mangos, papayas, passion fruits, coconuts, bananas, peppers and various greens. Ben’s goal is to create an educational community for farming and for the arts that uses the raw materials the land provides to sustain itself. For more information, volunteer visits and work opportunities, contact Ben at bushdoc@starpulse.com.

Often worn by travelers this natural jewelry has been carried to many corners of the earth. It is said, that when worn, the coconut jewelry often brings the traveler good luck. Whether another traveler or a local, is wearing or has seen the coconut jewelry, the two are bound to spark a conversation and exchange stories. We give thanks to all of those who have exchanged these positive stories. We give thanks to all of those who have sheltered the traveler along the way. We give thanks to all of those who trust and are trustworthy. We give thanks to all those who believe in the dream of peace and unity. The faithful never stand alone. Peace will gather. Our doorsteps are only footsteps away.
WE ARE ALL COCONECTED.