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Lots of love! Aisha and Cate
Taro Ball Bracelet
Taiwan Collection
Inspiration: Taro balls
Materials: Rose gold, lavender gemstones
Craft Detail: Rounded bead construction
Region: New Taipei City
Dish Profile: Sweet, starch-based
Inspiration
This bracelet is inspired by Taiwanese taro balls, a dessert component made from mashed taro and starch, shaped into small spheres and cooked until tender. Taro balls are known for their pale purple color, matte surface before cooking, and smooth, elastic texture after boiling. These qualities informed the jewellery design directly: lavender gemstones reference the taro’s natural color, while rounded bead forms mirror the uniform shape of the dessert. Taro balls are typically prepared by hand, rolled individually, and served warm or chilled in sweet soups or shaved ice.
Discovery
Aisha and Cate encountered taro balls at a traditional dessert shop in Jiufen. They observed how dough consistency affects the final shape and how uniform sizing is achieved through repeated rolling. Aisha focused on the tactile quality of the dough, while Cate noted how color variation appears between batches. These observations were translated into jewellery through consistent bead sizing, material testing for surface smoothness, and proportional sketches developed during the visit.
Travel Diary
At the shop, Aisha and Cate noticed that trays are lightly dusted with starch to prevent sticking. This practical detail influenced the decision to avoid high-texture finishes on the bracelet’s surface.
Where we find our Jewellery inspiration
Click to discover our unique jewellery pieces! Inspired by food and craftsmenship all over the world.