Photograph by Ephotique
Collection Gift Guide: Fresh Coffee
December 1, 2006
“Some people say that wearing coffee beans brings good luck,” says
Ana-Cristina Godoy, lead jewelry designer for Java Designs. “I don’t know if it’s true, but it
probably doesn’t hurt,” she laughs.
The legend began to percolate when Java Designs founder Jim Anderson traveled
to South America and noticed coffee plantation workers wearing strings of raw coffee
cherries around their necks, ostensibly to ensure a good harvest. Intrigued by the idea,
Anderson experimented with different techniques before finally developing an
eco-friendly way to preserve roasted coffee beans, which prevents them from staining clothes
while simultaneously maintaining their distinct yet subtle aroma.
“Many of our customers swear they get a caffeine buzz just from wearing
them,” Anderson says, “but osmosis is highly unlikely—our beans are practically
petrified.”
Caffeinated or not, the delicate weaves and intricate patterns that Godoy
creates with the multihued beans are undeniably addictive. Godoy, a Colombian artist who has
worked with everything from diamonds and emeralds to precious metals, believes that
organic materials represent the next big fashion trend. “Jewelry is becoming very simple and
relaxed,” she says, “and my designs utilize natural, balanced patterns.”
Java Designs offers three distinct collections to choose from—Java Jewels,
Kona Lei, and Café Colombiano. The jewelry, which is available in select gift stores,
coffee shops, or online, is priced from $10 for simple bracelets; $50 for sets of matching
multistrand necklaces, bracelets, and earrings; and $200 for intricate belts and
17-strand necklaces made from Colombian or Hawaiian coffee beans.
Java Designs donates a portion of every jewelry purchase to Coffee Kids,
a nonprofit organization that supports migrant farmers in the world’s coffee-growing
regions. “I believe in making your own luck,” Anderson says. “By helping others, we hope to
create some.”
Java Designs
866.717.5282
www.konalei.com
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