Our number one selling item - this earth toned necklace lei incorporates cream mini-dagger beads woven into the center section (the glass beads make a 7" focal section). The Brown Picasso seed beads provide a beautiful backdrop with contrast for this combination. This necklace is truly more beautiful than words can describe, and it sells immediately when brought out to showcase in my collections. This colorful Hawaiian Lei necklace design that will last you forever. The acrylic magnetic clasp provide a secure hold and ease of use (these do vary based on availability but we always use acrylic style for ease of wearing and comfort.
These beads fall beautifully around the neck and are comfortable to wear for casual or elegant events. Although lei are typically made from flowers, leaves, and other natural fibers, these are made using glass beads sent to Maui from around the globe to make this "Forever Lei".
There are hundreds of 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.
Akalei Designs make great gifts for woman, girls, and men! Akalei is the Hawaiian word for "bead reflections" which truly describes this unique style only available here on Maui. We specialize in designing a wide range of modern yet classic Hawaiian looking lei
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).
If you would like a unique design we can create almost any length, most colors, and also use a variety of closures. Ideal as a gift for a holiday, birthday, wedding or anniversary. For customized orders please contact me at 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.
