Brazilian Golden Grass (Capim Dourado)

With Karine, wearing my Golden Grass headband and earrings.

Golden Grass (Capim Dourado) is a rare natural, organic and eco-friendly fiber found only in the Jalapão region, Tocantins, Brazil. It has the appearance of gold and continues to shine even after its harvest. The harvest, by law, occurs only once a year between September 20th and November 20th when the seeds are mature. During the harvest, the flowers must be cut and re-spread in the harvested field. According to the same law, Golden Grass cannot be commercialized "in natura" - meaning that it cannot leave the region without first becoming a handcrafted piece. This ensures that the traditional handcrafts remain an important source of income to many families in Jalapão region of Brazil.

Wedding party!!!

I saw golden grass for the first time three years ago in San Mateo, CA as a bracelet and fell in love with it. Unfortunately the bracelet was US$70and I had been searching for golden grass ever since. Finally, in Trindade, I found a bracelet for R$15. While there I also bought earrings, and ring, and a headband. The prices of Golden Grass are expected to rise since the growing region of Brazil has experienced a drought and subsequent fire (global warming, anyone?).

Those of you who know me, know that I like wearing natural jewelry such as wood and shells - Golden Grass has now been added to that list and is one of my new favorite jewelry types. I even wore my Golden Grass jewelry to the wedding of actor Jonatas Faro to actress Danielle Winits - and it looked lovely!