Motifs Utilized In Hawaiian Jewelry

Hawaii is a well-known tourist destination that leaves everyone who lands on her shores dumbfounded by the exquisite display of nature in all its glory. Whether it’s the frothing volcanoes, the vast blue ocean, the luscious tropical fruits, vibrant flowers or endless beaches – Hawaii is like nature’s museum. One natural wonder on display after another and each more magnificent than its predecessor.

Using Nature As Inspiration

It is hardly any wonder that nature has found its way into various forms of creative expression on the islands including Hawaiian jewelry. From the earliest inhabitants in the 4th and 5th century, Hawaiian jewelry has been a canvas for nature. The earliest baubles were made of shells, seeds, coral, teeth, whale ivory, bone and bark and featured patterns of various sea creatures. Sea turtles and fish were extremely popular motifs. Another surprising motif that found popularity was that of the canoe. The motifs reflected the isolation of the island life and the high value associated with the canoe. In addition, royalty wore a hook shaped necklace called the lei niho palao made from whale teeth and human hair.

With time, the popularity of motifs depicting nature in all her glory continued to grow. Within the twentieth century the famous Hawaiian jewelers Ming’s and Gump’s each offered jewelry showing island blossoms for example hibiscus, orchids, pikake, bird’s associated with paradise and anthuriums. Guglielmo Cini who designed some of the most popular Gump’s jewelry was best known for his tropical floral motifs.

Today, nature continues to the muse for most artists in Hawaii. Pineapples, palm tress, hibiscus and plumeria flowers, fish, ships, ukuleles, volcanoes, lush tropical fruits and shells find their way on earrings, necklaces, bangles and brooches.

Wedding bands designed to represent the natural native foliage of the hala tree found in Hawaii have also become extremely popular. They have escalated the simple, traditional Hawaiian wedding bands to exotic Hawaiian heirloom jewelry.

Shell Jewelry

Shell jewelry from Hawaii has been around forever. Spend jewelry usually makes use of no motifs and in fact shells themselves are used as motifs upon other materials like silver and gold. Ni’ihau shell jewelry is extremely famous and sought after.

The Cultural Influence

In addition to nature, Hawaii is steeped in a culture frothing with customs and traditions. The petroglyphs found on the islands reflect this very primitive and spontaneous culture and also are a source of ideas for designers.

All in all, motifs used in Hawaiian jewelry include various things around the islands that represent the warmth of Hawaii; the warmth that is found not just in its beautiful climate but also in the people that reside there. And the best thing about Hawaiian jewelry is that you no longer need to be in Hawaii to select from the latest trendy designs. Websites feature traditional as well as contemporary Hawaiian jewelry of the best quality and with a 100% guarantee.

Soul-Food Series, part 2: Evolution Deceit

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