Chicago - November 08, 2006

Just Seed It

Geraldine Rincon Jewlery

Most great creations start out as a seed of an idea. (Mrs. Flowbee, what do you think about a hair-cutting machine?)

But sometimes all you need is the seed.

Which is exactly what happened when jewelry designer Géraldine Rincón visited her husband’s native Colombia and discovered a wealth of indigenous seeds and artisans who craft them into beautiful beads.

Rincón’s necklaces are not for the meek. The bold colors (deep oranges, poppy reds, olive greens) are as substantial as the beads themselves, some of which measure more than two inches wide.

Plus, many of the seeds have ancient spiritual healing properties: The Uña de Gato (the cat’s claw) has been used for more than 2,000 years to create harmony between the body and spirit, while the Chocho is commonly given to newlyweds to bring them prosperity and fertility.

You know — for when you want to plant a seed of your own.

Available at Koros, 1019 West Lake Street, at Carpenter Street (312-738-0155); Public I, 1923 West Division Street, at Winchester Avenue (773-772-9088 or publicifashion.com). To see styles, go to geraldinerincon.com.