My shopping cart
Your cart is currently empty.
Continue ShoppingAkalei Designs will be selling at the Cannery Mall with Lahaina Arts Society on Friday March 6th (10am to 3pm) and again on Saturday, March 14th, 21st and 28th. We continue to expand our visibility and hope to reach more customers with our in-person shows on the west side of Maui. Our focus in on new beaded designs of blending Japanese tradition with modern island style lei.
Sky Blue "Unions" Beaded Edo Necklace Lei - 22"
Bead manufacturers released this unique two sided bead recently and we incorporated it into this blended design of unique two distinct braiding techniques - one is made with 1 bead at a time and the middle incorporates woven beaded cords that make a hollow core (Originally created by Sulis Designs in the UK.). The matte Blue and Grey beads are loaded onto 8 cords and woven - it's. like the blue beads were frosted with grey For additional color are two silver toned beads that bookend the focal section. A matte black acrylic magnetic end cap will keep this secure and comfortable around your neck.
The necklace then exhibits two characteristics - the ends woven one bead at a time for a tight spiral, and the center weaving the cords as beads called Continuous Beaded Braiding (Edo Yatsu or beads as fiber) for a looser relaxed look and feel. This new design captures the essence of Aloha - and even better it is a perfect gift for a friend or loved one! As a beautiful glass beaded lei each necklace is handmade on Maui and involves meticulous attention to detail while braiding. The beaded necklace lei will endure forever, 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.
This beautiful hand-crafted style lei was made using hundreds of Japanese seed beads that are meticulously loaded onto multiple cords that are woven then together on a Japanese marudai braiding stand (see photo).
The necklace is created using an ancient Japanese braiding technique called Kumihimo, a Japanese word for “gathered threads". This art form goes back hundreds of years as braids were made for use in armor for Japanese samurai warriors. In modern times these braids are designed as belts (obijime) that are worn as a belt with a kimono.
It is my goal to provide you with a long lasting, beautiful piece of jewelry that you will enjoy wearing for years to come. I take great care in the construction of my pieces to ensure just that. Please note: colors may slightly differ from their appearance on your display, as it depends on your monitor settings.
Please send me a message with questions or comments.
Thanks for stopping by!
Aloha Aku.
Sign up for our to receive new product alerts, special offers, and coupon codes.
© 2026 Akalei Designs | Powered by Shopify