Rare Green Metallic Japanese Fiber was used to create this amazing Art Jewelry Necklace. You WON'T find this anywhere in the world - especially in this color. We made this in September 2024 and is has been a Show Stopper at our recent Craft Faire Events held on Maui. This particular necklace is comprised of separate Coral Pattern Necklace merged into one design woven on our Maradai stand - an ancient weaving loom originally used to make sashes for Samurai Warrior swords. Our design is originally created by Makiko Tada (the world's most prolific author, educator and researcher on Kumihimo). We finish this off with a Sterling Silver Magnetic End Cap designed by Melodie Owen Art Jewelry (an amazing silversmithing expert based in New Mexico). Her other fantastic designs may be found at her shop: https://www.melodieowenartjewelry.com/shop
The length is approximately 19" and can be stretched out a bit but will return to the original length over a few minutes. This is NOT just a piece to be worn around the house, instead this MUST be seen in a public venue so it can truly shimmer for those who see you wearing this one-of-a-kind piece.
This extraordinary necklace was woven together using metallic and/or silk fibers. This unique necklace look is created by braiding together 8 cords of fiber using a technique developed exclusively by Makiko Tada. The use of two techniques lends itself to this Coral look. We used 3 separate ‘bunches” of fiber in this design and were told there is no more of this metallic green available - although I do have enough for maybe one different design so this is it for a Coral piece. Altogether there are hundreds of strands that comprise this piece, leaving it luxurious yet flexible (and if too tight may be a itchy around the neck).
Akalei is Hawaiian for "bead reflections" which describes our normal necklace lei design style made only here on Maui. We reinterpret and illuminate traditional Hawaiian Lei using a vast assortment of glass and natural beads, Japanese metallics/silk and synthetic fibers, and a wide variety of braiding techniques and inspirations from across the globe.
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) that are worn as a belt with a kimono.
Customized orders are welcomed - these braids can be made using Japanese Silks and various small (4-6mm) size pearls or semi-precious stones. Please contact me at info@akaleidesigns.com.
