Golden Grass: what capim dourado is and how Oroboros jewelry is made
Golden grass — capim dourado in Portuguese — is a naturally golden stalk that grows in the wetlands of the Brazilian Cerrado. Handwoven, it becomes a feather-light, luminous piece of jewelry. This guide explains what it is, where it comes from, how each Oroboros piece is made, and how to keep it looking its best for years.
What is golden grass (Syngonanthus nitens)
Golden grass is the flowering stalk of Syngonanthus nitens, a herbaceous plant that grows wild in the savanna of the Brazilian Cerrado. Its name comes from the golden, almost metallic sheen of the dried stalk, which is neither dyed nor coated — the colour is entirely natural.
Unlike precious metals, golden grass is a plant fibre. It is flexible, hollow and surprisingly strong, which makes it ideal for weaving into shapes that hold over time while weighing only a few grams.
Where it comes from: the Brazilian Cerrado
The Cerrado is Brazil’s vast tropical savanna, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth. Golden grass is gathered here by hand on a seasonal basis, following practices meant to let the plant seed and regrow.
Harvesting and weaving golden grass has supported local artisan communities for generations. Choosing capim dourado jewelry means supporting a craft and a renewable, non-extractive material.
Handwoven in the Cerrado
Every Oroboros piece is born of a collaboration: Orit designs it, and the artisans of the Cerrado weave it by hand. The stalks are selected, softened and worked one by one, often stitched with cotton thread to define the shape. It is slow work, built from repeated gestures and precision.
Because it is a natural material worked by hand, no two pieces are ever identical: small variations in tone and weave are the signature of artisan authenticity, not a flaw.
How to care for golden grass
Golden grass is durable but it is still a natural fibre: it does not like water or prolonged humidity. Avoid wearing your jewelry in the shower, pool or sea, and take it off before applying perfume or lotion.
Store pieces somewhere dry and out of direct sunlight to preserve their colour. To clean them, a soft dry cloth is enough. Avoid bending them sharply: the weave is flexible but should be handled gently.
With this small amount of care, a golden grass piece keeps its shine for many years.
A sustainable, renewable material
For a piece of jewelry to be truly beautiful, the way it is made matters too. Golden grass is a renewable plant resource, gathered without digging or mining, and worked with low-impact techniques.
It is light to wear and light on the planet — a natural alternative to metal jewelry that carries a story of place, hands and time.
Frequently asked questions
What is golden grass made of?
It is the dried stalk of Syngonanthus nitens, a plant from the Brazilian Cerrado. The golden colour is natural — the stalk is not dyed.
Is golden grass jewelry durable? How long does it last?
Yes. Although it is a plant fibre, golden grass is sturdy and, kept dry and handled with care, it holds its shape and colour for many years.
Can golden grass jewelry get wet?
Best not to. Avoid the shower, sea and pool, and remove the piece before perfume or lotion. If it does get damp, let it air-dry somewhere dry.
Is the jewelry lightweight to wear?
Very. Golden grass weighs only a few grams, so necklaces, earrings and bracelets feel almost weightless while still making a statement.
Is each piece unique?
Yes. Every piece is handwoven by the artisans of the Cerrado, so small variations in weave and tone make each one one-of-a-kind.
Is golden grass sustainable?
It is a renewable plant fibre, gathered by hand without mining, that supports the artisan communities of the Cerrado.