Hawaiian Jewelry

Hawaiian jewelry isn't just for surfers and vacationers. The style of this jewelry appeals to anyone with a love for nature, especially the tropics.

Plumeria jewelry from Hawaii

Traditional Hawaiian Jewelry

Sunshine, balmy breezes, the sound of the ocean and the smell of exotic flowers all evoke images of the tropics. Life in Hawaii operates at a more leisurely pace than you'll find on the mainland, and Hawaiians seem to have a special connection to the bounty of nature that surrounds them.

Hawaiian jewelry is a reflection of that connection. The islands are a treasure trove of inspiration, and islanders have long used nature's leftovers to create handmade pieces of jewelry that are incredibly unique, and immediately recognizable throughout the world.

Natural Materials

The signature of any piece of Hawaiian jewelry is the use of natural materials easily found around the islands. Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular items used to create bracelets, necklaces and more.

Puka Shells

Puka Shell Necklace

Puka shells actually begin their lives as Conus shells that wash up to the shore where they pound against the rocks and sand until they are ground down and polished. Eventually only the tops of the shells remain, and it's these that are strung into the necklaces that have become so familiar.

Opihi Shells

Like snowflakes and fingerprints, no two opihi shells are exactly alike. When highly polished, they make fascinating pendants.

Gathering opihi, a type of shellfish, is rather dangerous business. They're easily found in areas where the waves pound most dangerously against the rocks, and while the opihi is perfectly capable of withstanding the crushing surf, many gatherers have lost their lives in the pursuit.

Cowrie Shells

Cowrie shells actually come from snails, and are prized for their glossy exteriors and colors. The Golden Cowrie was once reserved for only Hawaiian royalty to wear.

Coconut

Hawaiians have been making beads from the shells of coconuts for centuries. The colors vary in shade from light to dark, so the beads can be mixed to create patterns in necklaces, bracelets and anklets.

Coconut jewelry was often worn during ceremonial rites.

Bamboo

Bamboo is another natural resource used to create Hawaiian jewelry. Thin reeds can be bent into bracelets and anklets, while thicker sections can be cut and used as beads because the inside of the reeds are fairly hollow. The sectioned appearance of the reeds gives them a look that is very distinct from other Polynesian woods.

Bamboo is usually given a coat of lacquer to increase its shine and durability.

Shark Teeth

A shark's tooth not only looks fascinating, but in Hawaiian tradition wearing one is thought to give you the powers of the shark, who is considered the guardian of the ocean.

Many necklaces use a single shark tooth as a pendant, so necklaces using multiple teeth are believed to be very powerful amulets.

Carved Fish Bones

Fish bone, just like elephant ivory, is a great material for carving. The bones can be shaped into fish hooks, or an assortment of other flora and fauna found around the islands. Once a piece is shaped, it is given a high polish and strung, sometimes combined with puka shells, or coconut beads.

Mother of Pearl

Mother of pearl is the luminous lining found in clam shells. The material is carefully removed from the shell and can be carved and inlaid on rings, pendants and more.

Plumeria

Plumeria, perhaps better known as the Hawaiian lei flower is widely used to create beautiful, fragrant necklaces that are often given as a welcoming gift to newcomers.

Although real leis have a limited life, it's easy to find flower jewelry made from gold, gems, bone and more.

Sandal Charms

Gold or silver jeweled charms in the shape of thongs or beach sandals have become one of the most popular types of Hawaiian jewelry for tourists to take home from their island vacations. They are available in a wide variety of materials and price ranges; look for enameled silver thong charms or platinum and diamond sandal pendants for a piece of the tropics that will remind you of your favorite beach every time you wear it.

Heirloom Hawaiian Jewelry

Love Hawaiian themes, but prefer your jewelry to be a bit more substantial? Rest assured you can find many lovely pieces created with an assortment of precious metals and gem stones.

Choices include:

• 14K Gold
• Diamonds
• Opals
• Pearls
  • Black
  • Pink
  • Yellow
  • White
• Precious Coral
  • Black
  • Gold
  • Red
  • Pink

Conclusion

Hawaiian jewelry may have first come to prominence in the days of Queen Victoria, but it still enjoys widespread popularity today. Whether you prefer less expensive pieces made in the traditional island ways or fine quality jewelry made with precious gemstones, there is certainly a wonderful selection of island-inspired jewelry to choose from.

External Links

• Hawaiian Gems
• Maui Divers Jewelry
• Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry

• Jewelry for a Black Dress
• Halloween Jewelry Pictures
• Statement Necklaces

• The Meaning of Colors in Mood Rings
• Chanel Knockoff Earrings
• Brighton Jewelry Outlet
• Mother Necklaces
• Masculine Promise Rings

• Native American Jewelry
• Turquoise Jewelry
• Hip Hop Jewelry
• Category:Silver Jewelry
• Hawaii Fashion Gold Jewelry