In August 2023 Akalei Designs received an award for this design concept from the American Kumihimo Society at their annual conference in San Francisco. This unique necklace lei blends colors of glass beads used. In this specific design the majority of the 8,000 beads are White Rainbow Seed Beads and the three focal sections are then switched to braid in Golden Pink Picasso PIP Beads - for an elegant and tasteful blend of colors to match many color choices in your wardrobe. An acrylic magnet provides extra strong hold to help it stays secure this on the neck.
This Hawaiian Beaded Oimatsu Rope is made using 16 strands of beaded rope cords. There are over 8000 beads loaded onto all cords that are woven into the Oimatsu style in this amazingly solid design art piece using a wooden Japanese braiding stand called a Marudai.
The process of creating an Oimatsu Rope™ or similar Continuous Beaded Braids (CBB) entails much more than could be imagined. The process begins with loading hundreds of beads onto cords, these are then wound onto bobbins, braided, massaged very carefully, removed from the Marudai braiding stand and finished with end caps. One wrong move and the entire braid crumbles - much like a soufflé. However, these solid stunning and comfortable necklaces are made using thousands of glass beads or other materials such as pearls, semi-precious gems, and gem stones, to create necklaces or bracelets.
These necklaces feel wonderful to wear and require little to almost no care by using a slightly moisten clean towel with a bit of Dawn soap every few months to keep it. dust free and bright. Due to the durability of the glass beads this necklace will last for years. Remember to treat your jewelry with care! I highly recommend that you remove your jewelry when sleeping, showering, or swimming to avoid damage. 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).
Akalei Designs make great gifts for woman and men! Akalei is the Hawaiian word for "bead reflections" which describes this unique style only available here on Maui. We specialize in designing a wide range of modern yet classic Hawaiian looking lei. Ideal as a gift for a holiday, birthday, wedding or anniversary. Please email info@akaleidesigns.com to inquire about custom products for that special occasion.
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 and men.
Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese braid making technique that results in 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 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.
Send a message with questions or comments. Thanks for stopping by!
Aloha Aku and Mahalo Nui Loa.
Randy
