We watched Merrie Monarch and one contestant for Miss Aloha Hula wore a similar looking necklace - her's was made using sea shells. So we took Brown Picasso glass beads and separated them using Matte Black Magatama (dragon scale) glass beads for this beautiful look. The overall effect is similar to the Forbidden Island Inspired design, but using glass beads not priceless (and expensive) ocean shells. For added effect we positioned the Magatama Beads facing two different directions for a unique attribute in 73sections. These all make a perfect blend of colors in this Hawaiian Lei. The dragon scale beads are some of the largest glass beads made by manufacturers in Japan. A gold/brass metallic magnet has a strong hold for ease of putting on and removing. The bracelet is sold separately ($50), and can be made to fit your wrist .
By weaving over 800 beads in this necklace no two are alike. This statement necklace lei is finished with a magnet end cap that has a strong hold. Our segmented Hawaiian necklace designs are quickly becoming our top seller. This one is our third most popular combination of colors and bead shapes. We make more Kumihimo necklaces than all other vendors anywhere and our inventory grows each day.
Our 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. This beautiful hand-crafted style necklace was made using hundreds of glass beads from around the world that are meticulously loaded onto multiple cords that are then woven together on a Japanese Marudai braiding stand (see photo).
Akalei Designs make great gifts for woman, girls, and men! Akalei is the Hawaiian word for "bead reflections" which captures this unique style only available on Maui. We specialize in designing a wide range of modern yet classic Hawaiian looking lei. For customized orders please contact me at info@akaleidesigns.com.
Kumihimo is an ancient Japanese braid making technique that creates beautiful and durable interlaced necklaces and bracelets. This art form goes back hundreds of years as braids were made for use in armor of Samurai warriors. In modern times these braids are used for belts (obijime) on kimonos
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.
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Thanks for stopping by!
Aloha Aku.
