The coconut tree, often dubbed the "tree of life," has long been celebrated for its versatility and countless uses. From its stems, fruit, and even its leaves, this tree offers various practical applications. Even the coconut shell, commonly discarded as waste, has found a new purpose in the world of fashion and jewelry.

Nghia Dai Nguyen, a 45-year-old artist based in Hue, Vietnam, discovered a novel use for this already resourceful tree – handcrafted jewelry.

The project started in 2007 but was temporarily halted when Nghia had to go overseas. It resumed in 2018 upon his return to Vietnam and has since become his family's primary source of income. Necklaces and a pair of earrings are sold for 50,000 VND (around ₱114).

The process of creating these handcrafted jewelry pieces begins by cleaning and sorting coconut shells based on their shapes. They then carve the shells to their desired shape and apply a lacquer base, typically made from gardenia or synthetic compounds. After this, they let it dry and harden. Once the initial layer is set, they move on to applying the main lacquer layer, forming an abrasive mixture of paint, glue, and mineral powder. This blend creates a glossy, durable surface.

Artists may choose to enhance the design by incorporating eggshells or seashells and adding patterns using bronze or aluminum pieces. Bamboo is also used in the jewelry-making process.

The option to use recycled coconut shells in his handcrafted jewelry was due to their accessibility and the product's inherent traditional value. "The art brings a unique traditional handmade technique of Southeast Asian people. These products are environmentally friendly and safe for humans,” Nghia said. “The material source is easily accessible and inexpensive, perceived by some as discarded items.”

Nghia highlighted some challenges in his line of work, emphasizing the need for innovation and continuous improvement. "We must consistently change designs, elevate aesthetic standards, and constantly improve to create products distinct from others," he continued.

In a constantly evolving landscape of design, Nghia shared how the intersection of environmental consciousness and fashion has influenced his ideas. “We recognize that environmentally friendly products will be sustainable – the future goal of humanity. Being conscious of fashion enables us to grasp consumer trends year after year," he said.

As more individuals explore innovative ways to transform waste into aesthetically pleasing and functional items, the coconut's evolution from a mere fruit to a fashion statement serves as an example of the boundless possibilities inherent in our natural resources.