As a jewelry designer I look for unique ideas looking through social media posts. This was one I saw but it took some time to sort out HOW to make it. Inside the black beaded sections are 8 strands of white fiber used in the middle focal section of crystal white magatama beads (therefore the name). The white beads then hide the black fiber used to start/end the black beads. Randomly placed black drops are used to create another lovely feature in the focal section. This insight (the inside/out design) might help the wearer appreciate the unique techniques required to make this necklace.The closure is a black glossy acrylic magnet to hold well during normal activities.
Please allow 1-2 weeks for this to be made for you - the size can be adjusted to fit your requirements. This 2023 design was made specially for Pop-up Makeke (Market) for the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo, Hawaii. This would be a perfect gift for a friend or loved one since this lei will last forever! 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. As a beautiful glass beaded necklace lei each necklace is handmade on Maui and involves meticulous attention to detail while braiding.
This beautiful hand made necklace lei was made using hundreds of glass Japanese seed beads on multiple cords that are woven together on a wooden marudai stand (in a kongo gumi braid pattern). Akalei is Hawaiian for "bead reflections" which describes this unique necklace lei design style available only here on Maui.
The necklace is woven together 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.
Send a message with questions or comments. Thanks for stopping by!
Aloha Aku!
