Jewellery that grows on you

Two French women have launched a business selling rings, brooches, necklaces and earrings that literally grow on you.

Maryse Gilbert and Manuella Griffaton created their 'living jewellery' brand, Bijou Végétal, in which a small plant grows inside a piece of jewellery in January 2015. They offer handcrafted artisan items for any occasion, from everyday wear to wedding accessories. Prices range from €40 to €150.

Manuella’s husband Jean-Sébastian Griffaton, the owner of an urban garden centre in Trélazé, near Angers, came up with the idea. Knowing that his wife and her friend Maryse share a love for nature and fashion, he thought of a way for them to combine their two interests.

Customers choose between two types of plant: normal living plants or stabilised plants that do not require special care. Once an order has been placed at the company’s website www.bijou-vegetal.com, the requested piece of jewellery is assembled by hand and packaged.

If the living plants are kept at room temperature, exposed to a reasonable amount of sunlight and watered with three to four drops of water once a week, they can last for up to three months. Stabilised plants are more permanent and durable - they may last for several years, can be left in the dark and do not need watering.

Living plants are placed into a jewellery case along with fertiliser, a pipette for watering and a note reminding the customer to return the item for replacement once the plant has wilted.

The first replacement is free and subsequent replacements cost €10. However, the website also offers a deal whereby customers can buy three replacements for €25. Shipping is made by post to destinations in France and Europe, and takes place around eight to 10 days after an order is placed.