The hottest trend in fashion – literally – is now for sale at New Orleans’ world-renowned coffee shop, the Cafe Du Monde. Java Jewels, a unique brand of necklaces and bracelets, are made from real coffee beans. The beans are chemically treated and solidified to a jewel-like hardness; then they're handcrafted into an assortment of coffee-themed designs. The result is distinctive jewelry with a flavor all its own.

"Coffee is hot, and we don't mean its temperature," said James Anderson, co-owner of Java Jewels. "What better way to identify yourself as a coffee lover than by wearing it?"

To create the unique jewelry, hand-selected coffee beans are roasted to specific temperatures, a process which results in natural color variations from light brown (Cinnamon Roast) to near-black (French Press). "Unprocessed beans are far too brittle to be used as jewelry," Anderson said. "So we've developed a process that chemically hardens the beans. They won't break, and they don't stain clothing. To ensure their durability, we've even tested them on surfers."

The fruit of the company's research and development is a durable, naturally appealing product. More than two dozen unique styles (called "blends" on the company's Web site) are available, with names like Jamaican Blues, Essence of Espresso, Vanilla Latte, Raspberry Mocha, French Press and Cafe au Lait.

New Orleans may be the country's largest consumer of beaded necklaces, but Java Jewels are more than Mardi Gras accessories. For the price of just a few cups of coffee, there's no better way for coffee lovers to celebrate their addiction.

"These necklaces create a buzz all their own," said Anderson.

www.javajewels.com