Hawaii Vintage Jewelry

If you make a trip to Hawaii, an interesting thing to check out is the Hawaiian heritage jewelry.  Black enamel engraving, traditional symbols, and floral inspired textures are some of the characteristics that make this jewelry distinctively Hawaiian.

Hawaiian heritage jewelry is believed to have originated in 1862 when Queen Lili’uokalani, who had a fascination for all things English, had the first gold bracelets made. These were engraved with the words “hoomanau mao” (i.e. “lasting remembrance”).  In those days, gold jewelry that had black enamel engravings was very popular in England.   The Hawaiian monarchy visiting England brought such English jewelry designs back home with them, and gave them a Hawaiian touch by having Hawaiian traditional sayings engraved into pendants, bracelets, and rings.  This type of Hawaiian jewelry is popular even today.

Heritage Jewelry Stores in Hawaii

Though there are several Hawaiian heritage jewelry stores across Hawaii where you can pick up heritage pieces, a good place to feast your eyes on Hawaii’s heritage jewelry is the Phillip Rickard Honolulu in the Royal Hawaiian Center.  Here, you’ll find a museum that has exhibits of heirloom jewelry and vintage pieces, as well as a jewelry shop right next to it.  Continue Reading »
Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry

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