About Z.Harvest Gems

A Jewelry Story Rooted in Gratitude, Crafted from the Heart

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From Cornfields to Keepsakes

Hi, I’m Tammi Zentic — founder, maker, and heart behind Z.Harvest Gems.

For 25 years, I was a middle school science teacher in Fremont, Nebraska. After retiring, I found myself praying and asking: What’s next?

One afternoon, walking near the cornfields that had always been part of my life, I had a quiet moment of inspiration:

“What if I could turn corn into jewelry?”

It sounded unusual — even a little wild. But the idea stuck.

I began experimenting at my kitchen table, combining my love for nature, creativity, and storytelling into something truly unique: handmade jewelry that preserves real corn kernels in every piece.

That was four years ago.

Today, Z.Harvest Gems is both my small business and my passion project — a celebration of faith, gratitude, and perseverance captured in wearable form.

Meaning Behind the 5 Kernels

Each piece I make includes five corn kernels, inspired by the Legend of the Five Kernels — a story of early settlers who placed five kernels on their plate each Thanksgiving to represent the 5 blessings they were thankful for.

For me, those five kernels symbolize these 5 blessings below:

Faith

Freedom

Family

Friendship

Gratitude

Wearing them is a daily reminder to hold tight to what matters most — and to carry a bit of harvest-season hope into everyday life.

Jewelry with a Story

My process is entirely handcrafted and built on a 7–8 step technique I’ve developed and refined over the years.

Using corn I’ve grown or that’s been gifted from farms across the country, I preserve each kernel with care.

I combine them with natural gemstones, crushed minerals, and metals like sterling silver and gold-filled chains to create jewelry that is:

Rich in texture
Full of meaning
Completely one-of-a-kind

No two pieces are ever the same — and that’s the beauty of it. Each one carries a story, a place, or a memory.

Why I Create

At its core, Z.Harvest Gems is about turning something simple into something extraordinary.

It’s about honoring our roots — literally and figuratively.
It’s about slowing down and appreciating the small things.
It’s about sharing symbols of hope, growth, and gratitude — especially in times when we need those most.

This brand is built on values I live by:

Sustainability:

I use natural, renewable materials whenever possible

Authenticity:

Every piece is made by hand, with intention and care

Connection:

I believe handmade goods connect us to people, place, and purpose

I often say: "You're not just buying jewelry. You're carrying a reminder of what you're grateful for, but more importantly, reminding yourself that you can persevere through whatever life brings your way.”

More Than Jewelry

As Z.Harvest Gems continues to grow, I’m also exploring digital and print-based products that share the same message:

Printable affirmations and gratitude quotes
Home decor you can download and frame
Meaningful gifts created through print-on-demand

These products allow me to offer thoughtful pieces beyond jewelry — especially for those looking to bring meaning into their space or share encouragement with others.

Just like my jewelry, these items are designed to uplift, spark conversation, and inspire thankfulness.

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