Welcome to Mama Maize!


As a self-taught jewelery artist, I used to love working with colorful crystals and benefitting from wearing their healing properties but I hated that they were mined from the Earth, harming people and our planet. 
So in 2020 when my friend Carey shared with me a gorgeous dream she had the night before of our friend Karla 'dripping in corn jewelry', I knew I had my answer.
(Or, at least, I knew I had to try and see if it were possible 😂. Because after a quick search of 'corn jewelry', nothing I saw online was remotely close to the regal, elevated, gold and rainbow-colored jewelry that I had envisioned when she told me of her dream).
After three years of growing rainbow corn and experimenting with them, I can proudly say it is possible to wear lasting, living corn kernel gems (also with healing properties) that aren't mined but instead grown from the earth by drying and then coating them in protective, non-toxic epoxy.
All without sacrificing a single sparkle of beauty or elegance. 
Through wearing Mama Maize, you are telling your unique story of love for the Earth and using the art of self-expression to make the world a better place.
Every purchase supports Indigenous seed stewardship projects and divests from mining by keeping precious rocks in the ground where they belong.
Your support of Mama Maize is a literal dream come true. Thank you for the honor of adorning your wild and precious life.
With love,

Gillian

Gillian Mai Shelley (& the seeds)

Why we're obsessed with these corn adornments:

IMG_6678

Beauty grown from the Earth.

These seeds outshine diamonds

Their iridescent rainbow colors, organic shapes, and living essence inspire awe in us.

These seeds aren't just objects—they're living beings, and just like you, are a testament to nature's artistry, resilience, and power. 
IMG_6813_d0982cb8-56a0-479b-a773-fb6841029668

Heart, soul, and body energetic support.

Seeds hold the incredible potential of life within them, containing the densest codes of creation found on Earth.

Even greater than crystals and gems, keeping seed energy close to your body can offer comfort, inspiration, protection, and align your life with the flow of creation.
0566AD66-EB70-48BB-B9F0-CBB90D7D0033

Helping—not harming—our planet.

Unlike all other jewelry brands who deplete finite our Earth's precious resources and feed the harmful gem mining industry, our gems have the power to feed life.
-- 
This is beyond ‘sustainable’ and ‘slow-fashion’. We are joyful pioneers in the realm of regenerative jewelry as the only jewelry brand (we know of!) who grows their own lasting rainbow-colored gems right in the backyard. 
9716E056-A0EA-4C15-B4D5-75A47431D58A_1_105_c

Uplifting Indigenous communities.

With your support, we are so grateful to donate to Indigenous communities and their ancient relationships with corn and heirloom seeds. Read more about the Glass Gem Indigenous heritage & our committment here.

We are blessed to leverage our platform and privilege to amplify Indigenous voices & stories to shift mainstream understandings around corn & seeds to promote sustainable practices.

Jewelry Care

IMG_6830

Mama Maize jewelry care is self-care. These pieces are as sensitive, resilient, and alive as you! 

Here's how you can be the best caretaker of your Mama Maize pieces:

#1 Take jewelry off before getting in water and especially before showering, washing, or applying body products,

#2 
store in a cool, dry, and dark place, and

#3 
travel with it in a protected bag or box.