Some days ago, I wouldn’t have believed that there can be an alternative to gold. Owning and wearing golden jewelry is a pride for me still, but with the prices going up, gold is becoming more and more unapproachable to me. So, I used to think how women longing to wear at least one golden ornament could fulfill their wish. And today’s date is revolutionary for me! I have come to know about the Golden Grass – a much cheaper and more eco-friendly and equally shiny and golden alternative to gold! You might be wondering what I am talking about. Let me tell you what I found.
What is Golden Grass?
Golden grass is a type of grass. Can you believe, normal plain grass? So, why is it called golden grass? It’s because it shines just like gold, yes, gold. What’s more, people make jewelry and many other items of it which too look as if made from gold. You don’t believe me? Look at the images in this article, courtesy to BrasilGoldenGrass.com, and you will believe it. The scientific name of the grass is Syngonanthus nitens and it is a stem of a tiny white flower. It has a natural golden color and shine.
Where is it Found?
Golden grass is native to Jalapao, a heavenly place in the central Brazilian state of Tocantins. There it sprouts in the paths like golden carpets. It is grown without the involvement of any toxic substances like pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Even while making jewelry and other items from these stems, no other chemical is used to increase the intensity of its color and shine, and it doesn’t even need that. This wonderful creation of Nature is so much like gold that anyone can hardly point out that your jewelry is not made from gold.
Golden Grass Jewelry and Other Ornaments
Here not only the beauty of the golden grass, but also the skill of Jalapao women should be appreciated with which they turn this grass into jewelry and other things which resemble so much to gold. This art has been passed down through generations of Xerente Indians, the original inhabitants of the region. However, many enthusiasts and lovers of art are taking interest in learning this amazing skill, so it has reached beyond Tocantins and capturing the Brazilian as well as world markets. The extremely skilled Jalapao women make anything and everything of golden grass! Rings, earrings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, hats, clutches, bags, mandalas, and what not! You name it and you will get it!
Rules and Regulations
Production of golden grass has been protected by the Brazilian Government. It is extremely important to harvest the golden grass only in a particular period i.e. from 20th September to 30th November. The grass is ripe only during this period and if harvested before that (when it is still green), it causes the plant to die and regeneration becomes impossible. So, the people here, including the artisans, respect this Nature’s boon a lot and treat it with utmost admiration.
So, if you have a respect for Nature’s power and man’s creativity, you will definitely love these amazing pieces of art and jewelry. I have decided to start using them in place of gold and other precious metals; what about you?
