Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry

In 1887, Hawaiʻi’s Queen Kapiʻolani and Princess Liliʻuokalani attended Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, where they were presented with gold bracelets featuring their names in black enamel. On their return, the Islands embraced the style. Today, Na Hoku continues the hand-engraved tradition of this unique and timeless jewelry art form.

Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry is exclusively Hawaiian in design, yet its origins began in England over a century ago.

In 1887, in celebration of her Golden Jubilee commemorating her fifty-year reign, Queen Victoria presented Hawaii’s Princess Lili’uokalani with a solid gold bracelet. According to English fashion, her name was engraved in old English lettering and enameled in black. The bracelet became one of Lili’uokalani’s most treasured pieces.

The enameled gold jewelry created a stir among Hawaii’s Ali’i (Royalty). The beautiful English carvings were reproduced incorporating various Island designs. Over time, Plumeria, Maile leaves, and other significant designs of Hawaiian origin have found their way into Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry.

Today, Na Hoku Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry is prized for its beautiful and enduring designs and commitment to quality and tradition.
Na Hoku continues to create all of our Hawaiian and Island Lifestyle jewelry in our manufacturing facility in Honolulu, Hawai'i.

At Na Hoku, our craftsmen create traditional Hawaiian Heirloom jewelry by hand-engraving our designs. This is our commitment to the tradition and authenticity of this treasured art form that is meant to be worn with pride and handed down from generation to generation.
 
Na Hoku Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry can be ordered with a personalized name in English or Hawaiian or engraved with “Kuuipo”, Hawaiian for “Sweetheart”.

Na Hoku Engraving Patterns
Please note that Ring scrolls do not include a flower, unless a flower is specifically requested.

Hawaiian Heirloom Bangle Scroll Patterns


Millimeter Width and Shape
Bracelets are available in millimeter widths of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 18.  With the exception of the 18mm bracelet, all of our bracelets rings and pendants are made of 14K gold “barrel” wire. If you look at a cross section of a bracelet you will see that it has a domed shape. This gives our Hawaiian Heirloom bracelets and rings depth, strength, and beauty.

Rings are available in 4, 6, 8, and 10 millimeters while pendants are available in 6, 8, and 10-millimeter widths.
 For widths, an approximate millimeter conversion to inches would be:

  • 4mm =      1/8”
  • 6mm =      1/4”
  • 8mm =      5/16"
  • 10mm =     3/8”
  • 12mm =     1/2”
  • 15mm =     9/16”
  • 18mm =     3/4"

The 8 millimeter width, our most popular size, is most often selected in Traditional Hawaiian Heirloom bracelets, rings, and pendants due to the size and clarity of the engraving patterns and lettering on the 8 millimeter width.
 
Thickness
Most styles of bracelets, rings, and pendants are available in:

  • Standard Barrel Our most affordable weight, while still maintaining integrity and strength.
  • Medium Barrel The most often selected weight due to the combination of durability, quality, and price.
  • Heavy Barrel Heirloom jewelry made with this weight will be handed down from generation to generation.  Thicker and heavier, this jewelry will have additional durability and longevity.

Contour and Shape
Bracelets are always shaped oval, unless otherwise requested. The oval shape accommodates easier slip-on and removal of the bracelet.
 
Bracelet Sizing
Measurement for a correct fit for a traditional Hawaiian Heirloom bracelet can be most accurately made using a bracelet sizer and sliding it over the widest part of the hand. To ensure a proper fit, the bracelet sizer should go over the hand as snugly as possible. For further information, please visit the Na Hoku store nearest you or contact Na Hoku Customer Service.
 
Ring Sizing
Determining the proper ring size for rings measuring 8 millimeters and wider will need to be made using a “wide band” ring sizer, as the width of the ring will make a difference. For further information, please visit the Na Hoku store nearest you or contact Na Hoku Customer Service.

Free Inside Engraving
Inside Engraving for traditional Hawaiian Heirloom bracelets, rings, and pendants will be done free of charge when placed at the time of order. Inscription may be limited to space available on the bracelet, ring, or pendant.
 
Lettering
Any bracelet, ring, or pendant that is available for personalization may be ordered with the wearer’s name in English, Hawaiian, or another language of choice. Many items are worn with the traditional “Kuuipo”, the Hawaiian word for sweetheart.

Lettering is engraved in Old English style as was traditional in the days of Queen Victoria. Lettering in traditional black enamel is very popular and is most often selected for personalized Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry.

The pleasing contrast of the black enamel letters on gold also accentuates the lettering of the wearer’s name.

Raised lettering is available on most styles of bracelets, rings, and pendants. The engraving is an appealing letter and background style that maximizes the reflective surface of each letter.

Raised enamel lettering is an appealing combination of raised lettering with traditional black enamel.
 
Letter Background and “Edging” Options
Different styles of letter and background may be selected

Black enamel lettering is available with your choice of styles of letter background:

  • Black enamel lettering with chip-chop background (EC). Chip-chop is a pattern of engraving similar to diamond cuts, producing a reflective background. This background is only used with black enameled letters and is the most popular combination.
  • Black enamel lettering with laser background (EL). Less reflective than the chip chop background, this pattern absorbs light allowing better visibility of the letters.
  • Raised enamel lettering available with laser background only (RE).
  • Black enamel with "Spaghetti" background.  This background is a thinner version of chip chop, and used on specific styles. (ES).
  • Raised Lettering:  The raised surface of the letter is high polished gold on a textured (laser) background (RL).  Please note:  Raised Lettering cannot be ordered with the chip-chop background as the combined reflective surface area would make the lettering difficult to read.

Our Vertical Heirloom pendants feature various “edging” engraving to enhance the designs.

  • SCH Scalloped Edge: a diamond cut effect that enhances the light’s reflection.
  • HPH High Polished Edge: a clean reflective edge.
  • CEH Coin Edge: adds texture and dimension.

Visit one of our Na Hoku Store Locations or contact Na Hoku Customer Service. Our Store Employees or Customer Care Representatives will be very pleased to assist you with questions, inquiries and quotes.