London-based jeweler Anabela Chan has developed an innovative process to transform fruits and vegetables into wearable gemstones, combining sustainability with luxury design. Her Fruit Gems collection features pieces crafted from organic materials such as blueberries, beets, and lemons, which are converted into vibrant, jewel-like elements for rings, earrings, necklaces, and other accessories.

Chan’s process, which took four years to perfect, involves collecting fruits and vegetables that would otherwise be discarded as food waste. These items are dried, ground into powder, and then mixed with a proprietary bio-resin made from avocado seeds and agave. The resulting material can be carved and molded into shapes resembling traditional gemstones and set into designs made from 18-karat gold, gold vermeil, or recycled aluminum.

The collection includes statement pieces like lotus earrings made from deep magenta beetroot “gems” accented with sapphires and emeralds, or a petunia ring featuring a Paraiba tourmaline alongside stones derived from blueberries. The gems’ colors range from sapphire blue and ruby red to topaz yellow and emerald green, mirroring the natural hues of their organic origins.

While the pieces are designed to be durable, they are more delicate than conventional mined gems, requiring careful handling to avoid scratches or damage from chemicals. According to a spokesperson for Chan’s atelier, with proper care, the Fruit Gems can last for many years.

The concept was inspired by Chan's efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she volunteered to redistribute unsold produce to vulnerable communities. Recognizing that close to 40 percent of food in the U.S. and U.K. ends up as landfill waste, she sought a creative solution to reduce food waste by repurposing it into luxury goods.

“I wanted to find a creative way to address this problem, to turn organic waste into jewelry,” Chan said. Initial experiments determined that some produce, such as carrots, decomposed too quickly, whereas others like spinach and lemon offered more stable pigments.

Supporters of the collection highlight not only the distinct aesthetic appeal but also the narrative the pieces convey. Vivien Wong, founder of Little Moons and a Fruit Gem owner, emphasized the uniqueness of the jewelry compared to traditional luxury brands, noting the stories behind each design spark conversations. Similarly, Hong Kong-based lawyer Tingfei Fan, who purchased a cocktail ring featuring sweet potato and blueberry resin, praised the environmental message the jewelry promotes, despite acknowledging that purchasing a single item does not equate to full environmental advocacy.

Chan’s limited-edition Fruit Gems collections are available through her London flagship store in Knightsbridge, her website, and select retailers including Fortnum & Mason, Farfetch, and Moda Operandi. Bespoke commissions are also accepted, with prior creations including personalized bridal jewelry made from a client’s bouquet.

“I think the greatest luxury is turning waste into things we need and want,” Chan stated. She underscored a broader ambition to challenge traditional notions of fine jewelry by merging artistic craftsmanship with sustainability. For her, the joy of wearing these pieces is paramount. “Ultimately, I think jewelry should bring joy—that’s why we wear it,” she said.