On the left are pods of the red seed known as Choco in their natural state. On the right are the harvested pods. (These photos were taken in Campohermoso, Colombia.) Below are descriptions of some of the many tropical seeds used both in traditional handicraft work and in modern jewelry designs. The names are those commonly used in Spanish-speaking South America.
The name Choco is applied to several different kinds of red seeds. The seeds on the left were part of the harvest shown above. On the right are Chocos Cariados, also known as Yinyan. These are very popular in earrings and necklaces.
Perhaps the most popular red seed is the Choco Diamante or Platino shown on the left. These seeds are widely used in earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The small black and red seeds shown on the right are Pionias or Huayruros Amazonias. They are placed between larger seeds to provide an accent.
The small round black seeds shown on the far left are known as Riguas, Achiras or Chirillas. Like Pionias they are commonly placed between larger seeds on earrings and necklaces. The larger round seeds shown on the near left are known as Chambimbes or Chumbimbas. They are very popular in necklaces, earrings and bracelets.
Other black seeds are irregular in shape. The seed known as Boca de Pescado (shown on the immediate right) is principally used in earrings. The larger seed known as Ojo de Venado (far right) is used in belts and necklaces.
Red Seeds
Black Seeds
Dalmatas (shown below) are speckled black and white like the dogs they are named after.
Brown Seeds
Many seeds are one or another shade of brown. Brown seeds are often polished then dyed to yield a variety of bright colors. Perhaps the best known is the Azaid (Acai in Brazil). On the near-left are Azaid in their natural state, and to the right, after polishing. Below are azaid dyed in a variety of brilliant colors. Azaid are used for all types of jewelry, in both natural and dyed states.
Below are the large round seeds known as Bombonas. All have been dyed. Bombonas are very popular in belts and necklaces.
To the left are the seeds known as Cocoroco, Boton de Oro, or Cresca de Gallo. They are used in earrings.
Acacia seeds shown to the left are also used as accents in earrings as are the seeds known as Carambolo shown at the immediate right.
The unusually shaped tan seeds shown below is known as Diente de Leon. They are used in earrings and necklaces.
To the right are Algarrobo seeds harvested in Campohermoso. They are used in belts and necklaces.
To the right is one of the most popular seeds, known in South America as Lagrimas de San Pedro and in English as Job's tears. They are extensively used in earrings and necklaces.
To the right are the olive colored oval seeds known as Mate. They are used in muted necklace designs using earth-tones.
Below are two unusual large seeds from the Amazon region. On the left are Yupachis. On the right are Gualandays. Both are used in dramatic necklace designs.
To the right is a very unusual seed known as Cuesco Delfin or Ceiba for its resemblance to a leaping dolpin. It is rare and highly prized for necklaces and earrings.
The seeds shown here are only a sampling of the dozens of varieties used to produce beautiful jewelry in South America. One of the varieties not shown on this page is Tagua, perhaps the most important of all. For more on Tagua, go to the Tagua page: Click here
Above are Chuapos. The brown ones are in their natural state, the others are dyed.
A good source of in-depth information on seeds used in jewelry is the website
The large brown-black seed known as Congolo is popular as a pendent due to its attractive heart shape. In fact, in English it is called Sea Heart because it is sometimes found by washed up on tropical beaches.
