Ah, chocolate. Despite its bitter taste, we love it dearly. Perhaps this has something to do with the serotonin and dopamine released into our brains when we eat it. Chocolate has many psychoactive chemicals: sugar, caffeine, anandamide (the bliss chemical), tryptophan, and the favored symbol of chocolate: theobromine.

Theobromine is a mild stimulant related to caffeine that makes up about 2% of cacao beans. It is thought to uplift mood. The name theobromine is derived from Greek words, meaning "food of the gods." I would have to agree. Especially when mixed with spicy chili, the way the Mayans enjoyed it 2,600 years ago.

For the health benefits from the flavonoids and antioxidants in chocolate, choose the darkest varieties. Yum!

These solid sterling silver cufflinks are based on the structure of the theobromine molecule. They are about .75 inch wide. Each pair is packaged in a recycled gift box and includes an informational tag about theobromine - they make an elegant gift!

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I'm scientist-turned-artist Raven Hanna of Made With Molecules. I hand-make original, high quality jewelry and use Earth-friendly and people-friendly business practices. I live and work in a solar-powered sugarcane shack on the flank of an active volcano in Hawaii, and I donate a percentage of profits to environmental and science education nonprofit organizations. Please take a look at other molecular jewelry offerings in my shop. http://molecularmuse.etsy.com