Gorgeous Handmade Jewelry on Oahu
When visiting Hawaii, shopping for locally-made jewelry goes hand in hand with say...trying a spam musubi. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch — but looking for the perfect beachy-chic pair of puka-shell earrings or set of stackable Tahitian bangles can be a little daunting — especially in the sea of luxury retailers on the main drag of Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki!
But you don’t just want any kind of beachy-chic jewelry from Hawaii — you want it to be made in Hawaii. We’re trying to be authentic here, right? If you are traveling to Hawaii for the first time, you will discover that many hand-crafted items in stores and various market stalls are actually made in...well, not Hawaii.
So — you’re finally here in Hawaii and you’re day-dreaming about the mai-tai you’ll be sipping within the hour. You’re donning the perfect summer dress, sporting the cute flip-flops with the manicured toes, and showin’ off the chicest pair of go-to sunglasses. But you’re missing the right “beachy” accessories. Here are a few local jewelry designers based on Oahu who have designed the perfect drip-drip accessories for your wrists, necks, and lobes. And you’ll be pleased to find that they won’t hurt your wallet.
[ki•ele] - Hawaiian Handmade Jewelry for Tropical Paradise-Seekers
Hawaiian hand-made jewelry designer, Marylea Ablen Conrad, hails from down-under. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Conrad’s design influence comes from her love of nature and island life. Her jewelry is versatile, feminine, and fun. With [ki•ele], you can find a range of styles from the chic and trendy to minimalist classic pieces.
Conrad’s hand-made jewelry is designed with 14 karat gold-fill as the main element. Shell-lovers will delight at the long delicate necklace strands interlaced with natural cone shells, and “ooh and ahh” at the blush-colored coral accenting a pair of drop earrings. You will also find lustrous Tahitian pearls adorning gold bangles and even an adorable matching set for your precious keiki.
Trendy yet beachy drop earrings begin at $38 and charm necklaces start at $48. The current Organic Collection features elegant 14 karat vermeil-style earrings and delicately hammered rings, which will appeal to the minimalist style fashionista.
The handmade designs of [ki•ele] are found in retailers and hotel boutiques across the Hawaiian Islands, and also in Florida and California. If you’re shopping for [ki•ele] on Oahu, you can check out the various locations here or at the online store. If you are lucky enough to attend a Honolulu Night Market in Kakaʻako, you will also find a [ki•ele] stand to shop at.
Hereʻs a fun fact for you — [ki•ele] is also a sponsor of Miss Hawaii USA and Miss Hawaii Teen USA. Many pieces are one-of-a-kind — one of the many perks of Hawaiian handmade jewelry which makes owning a [ki•ele] design so much more special.
Salty Girl - Hawaiian Handcrafted Jewelry for the Ocean-Lover
Salty Girl’s owner and Hawaiian jewelry designer, Amber Chesebro, clearly draws her inspiration from the ocean and being in the ocean. With a strong background and training in jewelry-making and metalsmithing, Chesebro’s designs are complex but organic. Her pieces are meant to be classic and handcrafted to mimic the lines of nature and colors of the sea.
You’ll notice that Salty Girl’s pieces are little on the higher end of beachy-chic jewelry — but rightly so. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted with exclusively selected shells and gems that highlight the precious metals used in her work. Chesebro is accurate in stating that her designs are collectible wearable pieces of art. So, if you prefer making a bolder statement with your jewelry — than Salty Girl may be just right for you.
Gemstone cascade earrings made with sterling silver begin at $95 and precious metal cuff bracelets start at $375. Salty Girl’s gorgeous 14 karat gold “Sea Flora Tahitian Pearl Necklace” is priced at $1050. The range of prices will depend on the type of gemstone and precious metal that you select. Her online shop makes it convenient to customize something perfect for your needs. If you’re shopping on Oahu, you’ll find Salty Girl designs at many retailers across the island.
Misha Hawaii - Hawaiian Handcrafted Jewelry for Mermaid-Wannabees
Misha Mendosa is a local girl who designs for the “modern mermaid”. Her handcrafted pieces are fine, delicate, and feminine. You’ll find that you can easily transition from the beach to the bar in Mendosa’s flirty designs.
For those of you looking for that perfect island pearl to bring home — you won’t be disappointed. At Misha Hawaii, pearl lovers will be pleased to find a colorful range of luscious pearls — from pink pearls to Tahitian pearls to pistachio pearls — in strand necklaces, bangles, and hoop earrings.
You may have heard — pearls go with everything. A pink Edison pearl bangle is priced at $108 and a floating Tahitian pearl necklace is $148. A tiny white pearl ring costs $28. If you were to bring home one souvenir from Hawaii, why not make it a beautiful classic piece that you can wear over and over again?
To find Misha Hawaii items, you can shop at Mendosa’s online store. When shopping on Oahu, you can find her designs at these retailers.
Noelani Hawaii - Hawaiian Handmade Jewelry for Gemstone Enthusiasts
Noelani Hawaii is a north-shore based Hawaiian jewelry company on Oahu run solely by a team of women, whose mantra is to share “love and light”. The metal of choice for Noelani Hawaii’s delicate and dainty jewelry is 14 karat gold-fill. And there are a plethora of crystal and gem choices to suit any spirit or personal desire — be it energizing, healing, or self-confidence — you name it.
Dangly earrings laced with pink topaz, necklaces accented with freshwater pearls, and bracelets dripping with moonstone and citrine gems are what you will find at Noelani Hawaii. Limited supplies come with the territory of unique hand-made Hawaiian jewelry, so if you see something you like — don’t hesitate as items sell out quickly. Earrings start at $58 and necklaces are priced at $48 and up.
Noelani Hawaii’s handmade jewelry can be found in retailers and hotels across the Hawaiian Islands, in California, and in Japan. But if you’re on Oahu, there are many locations where you can pick up Noelani Hawaii’s designs. And for your convenience, you can also shop online.
Another fun fact — Noelani Hawaii’s fearless leader is a musician who is available to perform with her ukulele at weddings and events!
When visiting Hawaii, making the move to purchase even a single piece of Hawaiian handcrafted jewelry may be the best shopping decision you’ll make on your trip. Friends and family are already envious that you’re vacationing in paradise — why not rub it in and bring a piece of it home?
Glossary:
Kakaʻako - a hip and vibrant area of Honolulu known for its eateries, retailers, and street art.
Keiki - the Hawaiian word for children
