The white magatama beads are woven to create an elegant statement design. The combination of randomly placed beads is designed exclusively by Akalei Designs. It was handcrafted using hundreds of glass beads from Japan that were then loaded onto multiple nylon cords and woven together on a wooden Marudai stand. It is finished with a strong magnet end cap to ensure it is secure. The necklace feels wonderful to wear and requires little to almost no care by using a clean dry towel every few months to keep dust free and bright.
This necklace lei is perfect for those who appreciate the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo, Hawaii each April. For local Hawaii residents the only time this style of necklace is seen might be in a local museum or a gallery. It is because this style of necklace are traditionally made on the Hawaiian island of Ni'iHau (The Forbidden Island) with tiny shells only found there. We are inspired by those unique lei necklace and designed these to broaden the availability of newer and affordable necklace lei.
Akalei is the Hawaiian word for "bead reflections" which truly describes this unique style only available here on Maui.
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) used on kimonos.