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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..
Ivory Lentil Beads Hawaiian Lei Po'o Mini (3 Clusters) - 19"
The beads have a Picasso finish which is the foundation to this Lei Po'o Lei Mini. The Lentil Beads have an Ivory marbled finish, which when mixed with the Gold Ivory Mushrooms beads helps showcase this lovely blend of off white colors. The yellow Picasso seed beads continue the softer hues. The bronze acrylic magnet completes this design for a secure hold. These necklace feels 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.
There are 3 clusters in this mini bead combination of the 10" 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 compliment 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 Haku Mini Necklace Lei are designed with differing numbers of focal clusters and are therefore a bit lighter than the original Haku 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, but these lei will endure forever.
Akalei is Hawaiian for "bead reflections" which describes this 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 Haku mini was hand braided by Randy Spicocchi, and the pattern was developed by Rebecca Ann Combs of DesignandAdorn.com.
Kumihimo is an art form that 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.
Please send me a message with questions or comments.
Thanks for stopping by!
Aloha
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