We waited 5 years for these White Travertine Rizo beads to be made at a factory in Prague, Czech Republic. No other vendors have these bead combinations (shape/color), so we are delighted to offer this new braid with the two Earth toned Rizo beads. Imagine threading a grain of rice, that is the level of attention to detail required to create these necklaces. There are approximately 800 of these tiny beads loaded onto 8 cords then woven so a two day project. This necklace is a smaller version of our #1 selling necklace the Metallic Brown with Yellow Picasso Dragon Scale beads, This was inspired by the Earth toned Ni'iHau segmented designs from the Hawaiian islands and is another unique offering from Akalei Designs. The necklace is finished with an acrylic magnetic (for a strong hold) for a combined length of 23". Picture 3 shows the original White Travertine toned Rizo beads which we have in stock for a limited time. These are the last we know of ever made (let's call that Rev 1).
This necklace pictured is finished with an etched silver tone magnetic with a combined length of 30" however this is a "made to order" item so please give up to 2-3 weeks lead time to make for you (lengths can vary as will price). Various magnet end caps can be used if you prefer something different. Everyone you know will think this is a Ni'iHau shell lei but you can assure them it is not, but they will be inspired when seeing this design.
There are close to one thousand beads precisely loaded onto 8 nylon fiber braiding cords that are then woven together in a technique called “Kongo Gumi” or strong braid, with one bead at a time added and snuggled into the design to create this elegant necklace.
The weaving of beads requires many hours of braiding on a Japanese wooden stand called a “Marudai”. These necklaces feel wonderful to wear and require little to almost no care by using a clean dry towel every few months to keep dust free and bright. Due to the durability of the glass beads this necklace will last for years. You can also mix and match with different lengths of similar Lei or try the Forbidden Island inspired necklaces in that collection (see sample photo in this item).
For customization please contact 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.
