This is a pattern called "Infinite Wave" created by the kumihimo artist and author Rebecca Ann Combs at Design & Adorn in Tucson, Arizona. I feel in love with the blue gemstones and bronze focal toggle clasp and put it all together for you from her kit. It can be worn with the focal clasp up front or tucked away behind the neck. One of the most unusual features about this necklace and certainly a show stopper.
This unique braid blends super tiny bronze "O" beads with these Blue Agate gemstones. Once each cord was loaded with beads I used a technique called “Kongo Gumi” or strong braid to drop one bead (agate beads) at a time to create an elegant necklace. The beads were hand loaded and braided on a Japanese wooden stand (Marudai). The process requires many hours of planning, counting and braiding all 8’ cords.
Akalei is Hawaiian for "bead reflections" which describes this unique necklace lei design style available only here on Maui. We specialize in designing a wide range of modern yet familiar Hawaiian Lei for woman, girls, men and boys.
If you would like a unique design I can create almost any length, most colors, and also use a variety of button closures. Ideal as a gift for a holiday, birthday, wedding or anniversary. For customized orders please contact me.
Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese braid making technique that creates beautiful and strong interlaced cords. This art form goes back hundreds of years as braids were made for use in armor of Japanese samurai warriors. In modern times these braids are designed as belts (obijime) used on kimonos.
