Our Story

Zena McCoy founded Semilla Designs in 2006 after discovering seed jewelry on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil. She fell in love with the idea of using seeds as jewelry components and wanted to create her own designs. She bought a few kilos of the brightly-colored, predrilled seeds and set to work

Zena first sold her seed jewelry necklaces, earrings and bracelets at farmers’ markets and art walks in her home town of Seattle. She quickly ran out of seeds, however, and joined in a business partnership with her long-time friend, Carolina Cordoba, of Medellin, Colombia. Carolina, also a jewelry artist, had access to a wide variety of very attractive drilled seeds from her native country.

With these colorful and unique materials, Zena and Carolina created the first full jewelry line for Semilla Designs. They expanded the business, selling at more festivals, boutiques and online. They also developed their line, adding new seeds, colors and designs. As the business grew, Semilla Designs took on two part-time artists to help with production: Sherrie Kyle, and Alejandra Morales. 

Semilla Designs is excited to be evolving, expanding and creating new seed jewelry. Primarily using an eco friendly alternative to ivory the Tagua nut to create new and fun designs.

In 2018, Semilla Designs began carrying a line of leather purses and wallets that incorporate the traditional mola fabric from Panama and Colombia. This unique fabric is handmade using a reverse appliqué technique made by the Kuna people of the San Blas Islands. 

Thank you for your support of our artistry and our seed suppliers.

-Zena