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Continue ShoppingAkalei Designs redefines kumihimo for a new generation, blending Japanese tradition with modern island inspired bead structures using an innovative approach to our style. Our "Kumihimo 2.0" represents the next evolution of braided artistry: advanced blending to create contemporary designs for shoppers (and students) seeking long lasting beauty and innovative designs. Discover jewelry that is affordable, timeless and boldly contemporary.
Akalei Designs redefines Kumihimo for a new generation, blending Japanese tradition with modern bead architecture and structures using innovative materials.Akalei Designs represents the next evolution of braided artistry: advanced bead engineering, and contemporary design for shoppers (and kumihimo students) who seek beauty and innovation.
Each piece is. handcrafted on Maui..
Blue Rose Petal with Aja Vaz Lamp-Work Bead Hawaiian Lei Mini (5 Cluster) - 25"
Here is the first Chat GPT Assisted Pattern Design. As a designer often small errors arise in loading beads - this is resolved with an AI assist with the exact sequence needed for a perfect pattern. It is also one of our newest Forever Lei designs. We braided glass beads into five-clusters of Blue Rose Petal beads and stunning two-toned round Lamp-Work bead by award winning artist Aja Vaz, along with two more Black Round Lamp-Work beads by Lisa DeCanio (Etsy Shop) on both sides of center Focal Bead. This floral design is similar to the Po'o Lei made throughout Hawaiian Islands - giving it that tropical feel with a touch of class. NOTE: Two images were generated by CHAT GPT and do not accurately reflect the necklace on the model.
These five clusters are also blended with tiny blue rose petal beads and tiny seed beads.The braid is finished with a silver toned acrylic magnet end cap for a secure fit. These necklace feels wonderful to wear and requires little to no care by occasionally using a clean dry towel to it keep dust free and bright.
There are 5 clusters in this mini bead combination of the 9" focal section. Like many other Akalei designs this will be your forever art jewelry so expect to receive many compliments. These necklace lei drape gently to complement the contours of the neck and chest. This new design pops and you (and the necklace lei) will be the conversation at any event you attend.
The Rose Petal Mini Necklace Lei are designed with differing numbers of focal clusters and are therefore a bit lighter than the original Po'o Lei launched in 2020. This latest design captures the essence of Aloha - and makes a perfect gift for a friend or loved one! As a beautiful glass beaded necklace lei each necklace is handcrafted on Maui and involves meticulous attention to detail while braiding. The beads make patterns to look like flowers, yet these lei will endure forever.
Akalei is Hawaiian for "bead reflections" which describes our unique necklace lei design style made only here on Maui. We reinterpret traditional Hawaiian Lei using a vast assortment of glass and natural beads, Japanese silk and synthetic fibers, and a wide variety of braiding techniques and inspirations from across the globe.
This beautiful handcrafted necklace lei was made using hundreds of glass Japanese seed beads on multiple cords that are woven together on a wooden marudai stand. The necklace lei is created using an ancient Japanese braiding technique called Kumihimo, a Japanese word for “gathered threads". This Mini was designed and hand braided by Randy Spicocchi.
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
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