Top 7 Hawaiian Jewelry Designs

A Hawaiian jewelry gift or keepsake is a meaningful and stunning present for someone you love. Hawaiian jewelry emblems can make you feel like you’ve brought a piece of the island back with you. Hawaii is one of the world’s top vacation spots thanks to its natural beauty, and its jewelry traditions draw on that same landscape, especially the ocean. 

Key Takeaways

• Classic Hawaiian jewelry motifs include plumeria, mother-of-pearl, carved fishhooks, coral, puka shells, cowries and shark teeth.
• Many designs carry symbolism, such as the fishhook for prosperity and strength or the shark tooth for protection.
• Coral reefs are fragile, so choose vintage, responsibly sourced or coral-inspired pieces.
• Hawaiian heirloom jewelry now includes earrings, anklets and watches as well as rings, pendants and bracelets.

In addition to rings, pendants, and bracelets, modern Hawaiian heirloom jewelry now includes earrings, ankle bracelets, and timepieces. They are typically decorated with classic Hawaiian motifs. 

7 Classic Hawaiian Jewelry Designs 

The design is among the most crucial considerations when buying a piece of Hawaiian jewelry. Additionally, specific trends and themes have emerged from recognizable island flowers over time.

Plumeria

The fragrant plumeria, sometimes called the Hawaiian lei flower, isn’t native to the islands, but it has become closely associated with Hawaii. It is often used to make sweet-smelling leis, a traditional way to welcome visitors. Fresh flowers fade quickly, but plumeria designs carved from shell, silver or other materials last for years.

Plumeria, one of the most recognizable flowers from the Islands, is frequently worn and placed behind the ear. However, its timeless shape makes it the ideal pendant or earring with a tropical theme.

Mother Of Pearl

Mother-of-pearl jewelry is a favorite in Hawaii. Also called nacre, it is the iridescent inner layer of mollusk shells, and its shimmering hues make it a popular, elegant jewelry material. People have long been fascinated that a living creature can produce such a hard, smooth material, and mother-of-pearl has been used in ornaments and amulets since ancient times.

Carved Fish Bones

Bone can be carved, refined and made into jewelry, and Hawaiian fishhook pendants were traditionally carved from it. Today, fishhooks and other island motifs are carved from bone and other materials. Once a piece has been formed, it is polished before being strung, occasionally with puka shells or coconut beads. The fishhook (makau) is worn as a talisman for success, strength and good fortune. Because early Hawaiian fishermen provided food for their families, it can also symbolize being a good provider.

Coral

The name “coral” conjures up thoughts of the tropics, swaying palm trees, a clear blue sea, and vibrant fish. Coral, though, is much more than that. Coral has been used for thousands of years to manufacture jewelry and is prized for its distinctive warm colors and satiny, smooth feel. Coral can be just as striking as any gemstone when made into jewelry. Coral reefs are fragile, though, and coral harvesting is tightly restricted in many places, so many jewelers and shoppers now avoid new coral out of concern for the islands’ ecosystems.

Coral is not lustrous in its natural condition, but it has a shiny, smooth appearance after waxing and polishing. The quality of the polishing affects the final luster. If you want the look, consider vintage or responsibly sourced pieces, or coral-inspired designs in other materials.

Puka Shells

Puka shells wash up on beaches in Hawaii and many other places, but they’re a classic of island style. The word puka, which means “hole” in Hawaiian, alludes to the hole that develops in the shells over time. The stringing of these shells for use as jewelry has been made quite simple by the naturally occurring perforations. According to folklore, the shells protected sailors. Finding a puka shell is also seen as lucky; the more symmetrical the shell, the better your luck.

Cowry 

Cowries also stand for luck and fortune. The cowrie shell is thought to promote fertility and abundance. Even though cowries aren’t used as money anymore, they still have many symbolic meanings in daily life. Cowries were once used as currency in parts of Africa and Asia, and today they’re a popular choice for island-style jewelry. Made by sea snails, they are prized for their glossy exteriors and range of colors. The rare golden cowrie was traditionally reserved for chiefs in parts of the Pacific, such as Fiji.

Shark Tooth

The shark tooth necklace is regarded by many as a sign of power and defense. Some say a shark tooth protects its wearer at sea. A shark tooth necklace is a classic piece of jewelry, particularly for people looking for authentic Hawaiian presents. In Hawaiian tradition, ʻaumakua (family guardian spirits) can take the form of animals such as sharks or owls and protect the family. A shark tooth is a symbol of strength, but it also stands for tradition and honor.

The Final Thoughts 

Hawaii is a wellspring of creativity, which has for a very long time inspired islanders to employ the remnants of nature to make pieces of jewelry that are distinctive and instantly identifiable throughout the world. There is a beautiful assortment of jewelry fashioned in the style of the islands, whether you choose less expensive items manufactured using traditional island techniques or good quality pieces set with valuable gemstones. These Hawaiian jewelry designs can complement almost any outfit, so pick the one that means the most to you.

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