Occasionally even the most beautiful things are made of ordinary elements. Sometimes the nature itself presents us such elements. For instance, a withered fennish grass Capim Dourado serves as a basis for creating of ecological jewellery and accessories. And who could have thought that outwardly these works won’t differ from a wonderful noble gold?

An unusual grass under the name Syngonanthus nitens grows in the north of Brazil, Tocantins (Нumidgrasslands). Plain folk calls it golden grass, the Brazilians call it «Capim Dourado». All of this is driven by its miraculous transformation: in autumn (from 20 September to 30 November) when it withers it turns into something like fibres of precious metal. And after cutting it doesn’t die but continues to emit natural lustre. Plant’s scapes stay strong, firm and flexible enough which allows to interlace them into fanciful bijouterie and fashionable accessories.

This is exactly what started a new craft – so-called ecological jewellery activity. Experienced masters turn this golden grass into natural earrings and bracelets, rings and necklaces, tiars and hats, graceful bags and slippers, various jewel-boxes and decorative plates which practically do not differ from golden ones!

One more advantage of high-tony plant material is its lightness; so, even multilayer works with complicated construction do not burden their owner. This “featheriness” is especially palpable while wearing earrings, the same can’t be said for real gold jewelleries straining the lobe.

In fact, the local aborigines used the “golden grass” for primitive crafts but in the modern world it attracted attention most recently – with the appearance of eco-tendencies in the world fashion. By the way, having noted the value of this resource for the economics and the increase in demand for the product, Brazilian government had banned material’s export. That’s why only ready goods can be exported which helps to protect economic interests of local eco-jewellers.

So, Capim Dourado is a basic source of income for 500 talented families of the settlement who fully realize that careful attitude to the ecosystem is a guarantee of future “bread and butter”. That’s why the gathered bunches are shaken properly to shake out seeds from flower boxes in order to have a good harvest and prosperous home craft next year.

A great number of tourists searching exotic souvenirs hunt for accessories made from “golden grass”. They show their buy-outs in Instagram with the hashtag #capimdourado.

An understanding of wide range of natural material which has still undisclosed potential is at the top of the head after an exposure to the exciting art. Perhaps, the incredibly beautiful and at the same time shamefaced accessories made of “golden grass” will afterwards inspire the famous designers on a know-how.