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Continue ShoppingWe sell our products on-line and in-person with the Lahaina Arts Society. In September we are showing on the 4th, 11th and 18th at the Cannery Mall in Lahaina (10am to 3pm). We will be away teaching for AKS Sept 19th - 29th. In addition we are selling with Hawaiian Council at https://nameahawaii.com/collections/necklaces (We also book in-person appointments at the Kihei Studio). In Sept 2026 we will be away teaching for the American Kumihimo Society (18th to 28th 2026). Classes focus on confident beginners and emphasize the blending of Japanese tradition with island inspired Hawaiian necklace lei.
We reimagine traditional Hawaiian Lei to create "Aloha Inspired Forever Lei." Our designs merge an ancient Japanese braiding technique of kumihimo with the beauty of island colors and textures. We showcase our jewelry with the Lahaina Arts Society on Maui's West Side at the Cannery Mall .Check schedules on our website. All of our jewelry is handcrafted exclusively on Maui..
Necklace Reserved for Katherine - Hawai’i" Inspired Forbidden Island Choker Necklace - 18'
A person who is filled with love is a gift. Much like Gil you are so brilliant in the energy you share. We are hoping you find peace in this sad hour.
Here is a repeat but altered the number of clusters for balance and harmony. The clusters are Past, Present, and Future.
Segments are kept distinct using White Luster Pinch beads which look a lot like shells to give it the Forbidden Island appearance. Limestone seed beads are used for contrast along with a brass toned acrylic magnet to hold it around your neck.
The necklace was inspired by the beautiful multicolor rare shell necklaces made famous on the Hawaiian island of Ni'iHau (The Forbidden Island). This beautiful handcrafted puku choker style necklace was made using hundreds of glass Japanese seed beads on multiple nylon cords that are woven together on a wooden Marudai stand then finished with a strong shiny silver magnet end cap to ensure it is secure.
This Choker Necklace can be made into various lengths (from 10” up to 25”) prices will vary with length or materials used. Akalei is the Hawaiian word for "bead reflections" which truly describes this unique style only available here on Maui. We specialize in designing a wide range of modern yet familiar Hawaiian lei. Please send an email to info@akaleidesigns.com.
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.
Akalei Designs make great gifts for woman, girls, men and even your favorite pet! 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 Each purchase comes with a wooden gift tag and if for $20 a Japanese fabric gift bag with kumihimo cords (see accessories and add to cart). For customized orders please contact me at info@akaleidesigns.com.
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