Uncover the profound story embedded within each set of these black and gold Iraca palm earrings. Meticulously handcrafted by Colombian artisans, who have triumphed over conflict, these earrings are a testament to endurance and elegance in each intricately fashioned detail.
- Intricate iraca palm weaving in a stunning disc design
- Size: 2.5" x 2"
- Material: Iraca Palm, 24 KT gold plated on bronze
- Origin: Handmade with dedication in Cali, Colombia
- Unique: Crafted by Colombian indigenous artisans
Experience the intersection of art and heritage with these earrings, a blend of native Colombian materials and sophisticated design.
design: A pair of round, radially woven iraca palm discs in matte black, each centered with a domed 24kt gold-plated bronze button and suspended from a slim twisted gold chain.
size: 2.5" x 2"
material: Iraca palm fiber, 24kt gold-plated bronze, gold-plated brass
features: Hand-woven radial disc pattern, matte black dyed iraca fiber, polished gold dome center, twisted chain drop, post-and-drop construction
care: Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth and store away from moisture and direct sun to keep the woven fiber and gold plating in good condition.
disclaimer: Because each disc is hand-woven from natural palm fiber, slight variations in weave density and shape are normal and part of the handmade character of the piece.
The Story
The body of these earrings is made from iraca palm fiber, a plant material long used in Colombia for fine hand-weaving. Strands are split down to a workable width, dyed, and then woven into tight, even surfaces strong enough to hold their shape as jewelry rather than the broader-brimmed hats and baskets the fiber is more commonly known for.
Here the weaver has taken that flat, radial weaving technique and turned it into a disc, with the strands running outward from the center like spokes. It's a straightforward, geometric use of the material that puts the weave itself on display rather than hiding it under decoration.
Pairing the woven disc with a gold-plated bronze dome and fine chain reflects a common approach in Colombian small-workshop jewelry making: combining plant-fiber weaving with metalwork so each material does what it does best, fiber for texture and lightness, metal for structure and finish.
Making a piece like this starts with preparing the iraca palm: the fiber is dried, dyed black, and split into narrow, even strips. A weaver works each strip by hand around a small frame or mold, building the disc outward in tight rows until it holds its form without stiffening or backing. Once the woven disc is finished, it's paired with the gold-plated bronze dome and findings, which are set and attached by hand to the twisted chain drop that completes each earring.
Craft & Materials
- Made In: Cali, Colombia
- Craft Tradition: Iraca palm weaving
- Ideal For: Someone who wants a bold, graphic statement earring with warmth and texture rather than polished metal alone
- Wear It With: Wear with solid-color tops and simple gold jewelry so the woven disc stays the focal point
- Purpose: Everyday statement wear, evening out, gifting
- Metal: 24kt gold-plated bronze and gold-plated brass
Questions & Answers
What is iraca palm?
Iraca is a palm fiber grown and hand-processed in Colombia, prized for its strength and fine, even strands, which makes it well suited to tight hand-weaving.
Are these earrings lightweight?
Yes. The woven iraca disc is naturally light, so despite their bold 2.5" size, these earrings sit comfortably without pulling on the earlobe.
Will the black color fade?
The fiber is dyed before weaving for even, lasting color, though like any natural material it's best kept away from prolonged direct sun and moisture to preserve the finish.
What kind of closure do these earrings have?
They're finished with a post back at the top, so the woven disc drops just below the earlobe on its twisted gold chain.
Is the gold plating durable?
The dome and findings are 24kt gold-plated over bronze and brass. Plating will hold up well with normal wear, but avoiding water, perfume, and lotion directly on the metal will help it last.
