Buriti fibre is a plant material obtained from the leaves of the Buriti palm, Mauritia flexuosa. In Brazilian craft it is used as a fibre, including in jewellery. It is a different material from Golden Grass, although the two can be used together.
This guide explains the plant, the material and how to choose and care for Buriti jewellery. To browse pieces, visit our Buriti fibre jewellery collection.
Where does Buriti come from?
Buriti is native to parts of tropical South America, including Brazil, and Trinidad. It grows primarily in wet tropical environments. Its botanical range is wider than Jalapão or the Brazilian Cerrado: Buriti should not be described as a plant found only in one Brazilian region.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew records its accepted scientific name and distribution. The origin of the plant species does not establish where the fibre in an individual piece was harvested.
How is Buriti fibre used in craft?
Research published in ICMBio's Biodiversidade Brasileira documents fibres from young Buriti leaves being used to stitch Golden Grass stems in Jalapão, Tocantins. This is one documented use of the material; it does not mean every Buriti design uses that technique or comes from Jalapão.
Buriti fibre and Golden Grass: what is the difference?
- Buriti: fibre from a palm's leaves.
- Golden Grass / Capim Dourado: flowering stems of Syngonanthus nitens, used in craft for their golden appearance.
- Used together: Buriti fibre can provide the stitching for Golden Grass craft.
For more on the other material, read our Golden Grass guide.
Choosing Buriti jewellery
Start with the individual product description. The fibre is only one part of a finished piece: earrings may also have metal hooks or posts, and designs may include other decorative components.
- Composition: check the listed fibre, metal, plating and any additional materials.
- Size and comfort: check dimensions and weight when provided. The material name alone does not tell you how heavy a design will feel.
- Metal sensitivity: check the findings before ordering; a plant fibre does not make the complete piece hypoallergenic.
- Origin: ask about the specific piece if the maker, harvest location or production location matters to you.
If a detail is missing, contact Treasures of Brazil before buying.
How to care for Buriti jewellery
Follow our jewellery care guidance: keep pieces away from water and chemicals, and store them in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat. If a piece gets wet, dry it with a cloth before putting it away. Follow any additional instructions provided for that particular design.
Frequently asked questions
Is Buriti fibre the same as Buriti oil?
No. This guide concerns leaf fibre used in craft. Information about Buriti oil does not describe the composition or care requirements of jewellery.
Can I wear Buriti jewellery in the shower?
Our care guidance is to keep jewellery away from water. Remove it before showering or swimming.
Does natural fibre mean the jewellery is certified sustainable?
No. A material's plant origin is not a certification of the finished piece. Claims about sourcing, working conditions or environmental impact need evidence specific to the product and its supply chain.
Where can I see Buriti jewellery in London?
Explore the Buriti collection online or visit Treasures of Brazil at 34 Thayer Street, Marylebone, London W1U 2QX. Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 10:30–18:30; Sunday 11:30–18:30. Contact us to check a particular design before travelling.
