Hawaiian Jewelry
The history of Hawaiian jewelry goes back to the Hawaiian monarchy era in 1883. The Hawaiian monarchs had long shared good friendship with England. In 1862, Prince Albert -Queen Victoria’s husband- past away, the royal court grieved the loss with only mourning clothes, as well as “black-accented” jewelry as the acceptable apparel.
In the meantime, jewelry that had “black jet or enamel” carved with vine, scroll or floral designs became a fashion style in England; these jewelries came in forms of broaches, bracelets, rings, and pendants. In reaction to the loss of England’s Queen, the Hawaiian princess, Liliu Loloku Walania Kamakaeha –the last Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii- ordered two jewelries in gold that exactly followed the details and style of black-enameled “English mourning jewelry”.
In 1887, Queen Victoria invited Princess Liliu and Queen Kapiolani of Hawaii to attend her Jubilee. During the occasion, Queen Victoria gave them gold bracelets with their names engraved in “Old English Lettering” filled with “black enamel”. The queen and princess loved their gifts so much that they ordered similar bracelets for the members of the Hawaiian Royalty. Soon after, Queen Liliuokalani commanded that every Hawaiian goldsmith all through the kingdom, learn the art. With this, the Hawaiian heritage jewelry was born.
In the 60’s and 70’s, Hawaiian jewelry became so popular that an increasing number of people came to its islands to purchase the jewelry. Today, one can find elegant looking Hawaiian jewelry all throughout the island, including “diamond cuts” that beautifully reflect light, and Hawaiian gold jewelry.
Hawaiian jewelry is typically engraved, which also protects the jewelry from scratches. It is worn with its engravings facing the person who wears it, giving others the chance to admire the jewelry. This kind of jewelry signifies the eternal love of the Hawaiian people, and is given as gifts on special occasions.
Reflecting the exotic culture and beauty of the island, Hawaiian jewelry also comes in materials produced by the island itself, including jade, coral, and pearls. The majority of Hawaiian jewelry is reflective of the Hawaiian lifestyle of ocean, sea, and surfing life, as well as the pure beauty and warmth of the island.
Other Hawaiian jewelry includes watches, ankle bracelets, rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Every piece of jewelry is decorated with the Hawaiian motif. The price of the jewelry will depend on its thickness, gold width, and karat, as well as the design’s intricacy and gold value during the time.
For tourists and visitors of the island, nothing will define an unforgettable experience like a perfect piece of Hawaiian jewelry as a souvenir. The stunning customized accessories, delicate rings, earrings, pendants, and even heavy gold bracelets bespeak the island’s tradition renewed with every generation.
A lot of jewelry shops will translate the first name of customers into Hawaiian, and engrave it in black “Old English-style” letters on ornate and memento gold jewelries. Some of the islands favorites are the Plumeria jewelry and “Tahitian” black pearls. There are also high-end jewelry shops that are easy to find in Waikiki and its malls. However, for those looking for good deals on exquisite Hawaiian jewelry, the showroom at the Hawaii Jewelry Wholesale offers customary Hawaiian jewelry, pink corals, and Tahitian pearls for thirty-five to fifty-percent less than other shops.
Hawaiian jewelry is not just any other ordinary piece a person can wear and forget about in their jewelry boxes. It is a jewelry worn with great honor and handed down from generation to the next. It’s a gift that both men and women of every age desire, and a present that every giver can be proud of because it’s not just a fad that will fade away in time, but is an enduring and timeless present that will beckon memories from generation to generation.