Jewelry With a Twist

Photo By: Michael T. Regan

by Lori Hill

The story goes like this: One day, Debbie Tuch was busy working away in her jewelry studio, when -- whoops! -- she accidentally dropped some glittery resin onto a slice of lime that was lying around.

It shimmered and shone and made Tuch happy. And so Glitterlimes, her line of organic handmade jewelry, was born.

Since then, Tuch's been taking dried slices of various ordinary and exotic fruits, dipping them in a homemade glitter resin and turning them into all kinds of accessories: necklace, earrings, pin, bracelet, keychain, barrette -- the list goes on.

Tuch does this very successfully with citrus fruits -- the stringy translucence lends itself well to the technique, letting in lots of light and opportunities for shimmering. But she has also taken plantains, apples, starfruits, crab apples or anything she thinks is, ahem, ripe for the glittering. This way, you can choose what is essentially a cross-section of your favorite fruit -- or at least the one you think is prettiest -- and wear it everywhere. These seem especially stylish in summertime -- a choker looks great with a bright tank top, the slice sitting sexily on your suprasternal notch, while a cute barrette adds a hint of sweet shine to sunkissed hair.

Glitterlimes have been a hit in San Francisco since 1996, when Tuch, a transplant from Wallingford, Pa., started the line. Even the stars have taken notice. Venus Williams wore a pair of Glitterlime earrings while playing in the 2001 U.S. Open, and was photographed in them for the cover of Time magazine. And we're pretty sure West Wing star Allison Janney was sporting one on the Jimmy Kimmel show a few weeks back.

Tuch has also been experimenting with sweet treats like starlite mints, gum bows, conversation hearts, candy corns -- even Peeps (both chicks and bunnies available). She's even ventured into "international snacks." "I love all kinds of markets, and there is an abundance of them here in San Francisco," says Tuch. "Ever since I was a kid I made things outta candy, saving the candy wrappers and such. So it just fits that I could make a whole living outta finding and making candy something beautiful to wear."

Glitterlimes are available at The Black Cat, 3426 Sansom St., 215-386-6664, or visit www.glitterlimes.com for a wide selection.