I’m going to write about some of our major milestones from May that I’m proud about. To be honest with you, May started as a challenge because of many reasons. My screensaver for the month of May was this quote:
“Focus on your potential instead of your limitations”
Instead of focusing on the challenges present, I chose to focus on the potential and opportunities present. This allowed us to thrive in the midst of challenges! Which is one of the reasons why I started this business in the first place and one of the meanings of the word Kolohe.
It was so successful that we were asked to stay an extra day! It was a big honor for us to be invited back again so soon (our first one was in March). This brings me to our next milestone…
We had an Alexandrite stone left from a wedding ring inquiry (who ended up going with the smaller 6mm stone) so we decided to hand make a beautiful 14k Solid Gold Cuff hand fabricated completely in house by our GIA certified jeweler.
Alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones because it’s the only gemstone that has such a dramatic color change, shifting from green/blue green in the daylight to red/purple in the incandescent light. Our Alexandrite piece is priced at $5,000.
The other piece was a beautiful 2 ⅛ CTW Natural Diamond Line bracelet priced at $8,000, which we ended up selling to a customer who was absolutely in love with it.
I’m sharing both of these pieces with you to show you the complexity of the type of pieces we can do in house. If you ever want to create something similar, fill out our Custom Inquiry Form here.
Check out our gallery of some of my favorites below
Since opening our ‘Alohilani location, we’ve only offered it exclusively to the resort guests. We’ve had way too many inquiries about private events and bookings, it was about time to open it up to the general public. You can book a class here!
While that may not seem so exciting to some, it got me and Megan giddy because we love a good space. Coincidentally, May marked our one year anniversary of being in our two story office. Megan and I really wanted to get better systems down so that we can better serve our customers and improve our working environment for our employees. We started with our manufacturing room and I’ve attached a short time lapse of moving it around.
Fine jewelry, customizations, community brand building, better systems and remembering again what made Kolohe so special in the first place. That’s what was so exciting for us about May.
We have a lot of business changes (and improvements) happening so you can expect us to expand on those things this year. Another thing that Megan and I really want to do is get more involved with YOU, our community & customers.
What do you want to know about Kolohe? What do you want to see more of? What did you learn about us in this blog that you didn’t know before?
Leave a comment and we just might sent you a special gift 😉
WITH LOVE, Rose
]]>Need the perfect Valentine's Day Gift? We've got you. From diamond necklaces to hand-engraved messages, our team at Kolohe have selected a list of our finest jewelry pieces that you can never go wrong with.
Timeless, elegant, and one-of-a-kind are the 3 adjectives we would describe Kolohe's Gift Guide. Designed to compliment any style, attitude, and beauty, they fit the 'just right' criteria in a world full of options. And a major plus? All of our jewelry is made to last a lifetime, making it the perfect investment for any romantic.
1. 14K Solid Gold 3MM Silk Chain Necklace
The better half to our best-seller: Kolohe's Gold Fill Silk Chain. Upgrade her wardrobe to a Solid Gold Necklace she will never want to take off.
The perfect blend of grace and grit displayed in the contrast of White Baroque Pearl and Thick Mixed Chains. Like the Baroque Pearl she may not be perfect, but her imperfections make her genuinely unique
3. 14K Solid Gold Diamond Stud Earrings
Diamonds are not only a girl's best friend but Diamond Stud Earrings are an absolute neccesity.
Chic, classy, and unique, these Ear Threaders that will continue to luster like new as time ages.
5. 14K Solid Gold Diamond Necklace
A layering must-have, our 14K Solid Gold Diamond Necklace is minimal in the best way possible. Gift this luxurious heirloom piece to the most sophisticated you know (ps, that might just be yourself too).
Much like a love letter, our team will hand-engrave personal messages for your loved one to wear everyday. Customize an Engraved Necklace in 3 easy steps.
You can shop our Engraving Bar here
]]>October marks Filipino American History Month, in honor of Kolohe's robust filipina heritage we've collaborated with Illustration Artist Jahzz.Art. 10% of the profit from this collection will be donated to FANHS: Filipino American National History Society.
Jahziel, also known as Jahzz.Art is an Illustration Artist whose work highlights her values of feminism and culture. She is deeply influenced by her Filipina background; however, she hopes that highlighting women of color through illustration evoke notions of beauty through women empowerment.
As our team of in-house designers at Kolohe began to manifest a collection with Jahzz.Art, both parties argeed on motifs that symbolize what is means to be filipino in modern day Hawai'i. Jahziel explains that being a Filipina born and raised in Hawai’i, she felt that the sun, calamansi, and jasmine flowers distinctly symbolize the cultures that have a large impact on the artwork she continues to create. Jahziel wanted to integrate the values and aesthetics of Kolohe with her own to visually represent the young women of color that made this collaboration happen.
We aspire to showcase the warmth of culture and feminine beauty, each piece from this collection is a reflection of ‘you’.
Initially, I wanted to create work that made me proud of who I am. Many Filipinas are a bit insecure about Asian/Pacific Island culture as society often favors Asians with fair skin, straight hair, and small features; deeming these characteristics as more beautiful. I hoped that my illustrations highlight brown skin, wavy hair, slant eyes, etc. as gorgeous characteristics. With that being said, although I am influenced by my Filipina culture, I hope that AAPI and WPOC can see themselves reflected in my work. I wish to continue to impact those around me because being proud of who you are changes your outlook in life and my heart is so warm knowing that my artwork can do that.
Initially, I wanted to create work that made me proud of who I am. Many Filipinas are a bit insecure about Asian/Pacific Island culture as society often favors Asians with fair skin, straight hair, and small features; deeming these characteristics as more beautiful. I hoped that my illustrations highlight brown skin, wavy hair, slant eyes, etc. as gorgeous characteristics. With that being said, although I am influenced by my Filipina culture, I hope that AAPI and WPOC can see themselves reflected in my work. I wish to continue to impact those around me because being proud of who you are changes your outlook in life and my heart is so warm knowing that my artwork can do that.
As women artists, we share the same values of female empowerment, chasing daydreams, and using creative mediums to express ourselves. Being young women of color based in Hawai’i, we wanted this collection to reflect the melting pot of cultures that surround us. All of my illustrations are women embellished with gold jewelry as I love how gold looks on brown skin. I am so honored to be collaborating with these ladies who brought my vision to life.
As a first generation Filipina-American, I have struggled with cultural identity in many ways. Due to the fact that I was born and raised in Hawai’i, does that make me less of a “Filipina”? If I am not fluent in my parents’ native language, does that make me less in tune with my culture/heritage? To me, Filipino American History Month is a representation for those like myself who are continuing to learn about their cultural identity. In my perspective, cultural identity is defined by the ways we express our love and appreciation towards our culture.
Being Filipina means that I am from a culture that is passionate, industrious, loud, and warm. I am from a culture that is resourceful, gaining inspiration from the beautiful land that surrounds them. Expressing my values through my work, I am capable of reversing negative stereotypes that are associated with being Filipina. Being Filipina means being a beautiful, confident, and fierce woman.
You can shop these fall inspired jewelry pieces or the rest of our latest collection here.
From colorful chunky knit sweaters, tailored coats, smooth leather jackets, or elevated loungewear...these uniquely designed jewelry pieces are bold enough to wear alone or can be layered together for an even more striking look. Even better, our jewelry can be worn everyday. So wether you're grabbing morning coffee (maybe that cliché but oh so good pumpkin spice latte), or turning heads with a well planned #ootd, our Curb Chain Collection will always refine your look to the next level.
5. Curb Chain Toggle Clasp Necklace
The first ever Curb Chain Collection piece was actually created by one of our in-store designers, Jasmine.
Each Kolohe jewelry designer has a different style and you can see it in the pieces. When you shop with us in store, you get to see each individual style of our designers as we only carry our one time design pieces in store.
Known for her more intricate designs, Jasmine actually created this piece from our scrap metals. As we’re often creating custom pieces in store, we often cut chains to different lengths and save our scraps for recycling. Jasmine noticed the beauty in these scraps and matched the more masculine Curb Chain with our feminine Classic Chain.
It instantly caught the eye of many people, including the Kolohe Ladies who began to wear Jasmine's piece. In several occasions, the team at Kolohe has sold the Tala Necklace and Tala Bracelet off of themselves.
What’s special about Kolohe’s design, is that the design team always strives to make pieces unique that are wearable to today’s trends. The pieces are eye-catching, like a trend you didn’t know existed.
“Since these pieces are made in house, we’re able to control the uniqueness of each piece. If we want to add some flare to a chain, we can easily do so without going through the steps of a traditional supply chain with a manufacturer”.
I think that’s the beauty of this collection and the beauty of our jewelry designers. Each has a different eye. Jasmine, for example, is very into holistic healing and spirituality. She isn’t drawn by social media or trends. So with the piece that she created, she wasn’t thinking about creating a trendy piece, she was purely thinking about creating something unique” - Rose Wong, CEO
You can shop these fall inspired jewelry pieces or the rest of our latest collection here
]]>With inspiration taken after Pantone’s 2021 Color of the Year ‘Ultimate Gray’, the Executive Team at Kolohe sought to design a collection that reflected a personality trait they all carried in common: the ability to manifest dreams into reality. The Herkimer Diamond does just that, it amplifies like no other crystal.
The Herkimer Diamond stone is a powerful quartz crystal and its energies put you at ease and will guide you in the right direction. We used this stone because it symbolizes power, strength and clarity. The stones are found in Herkimer, New York and the crystals have a diamond-like geometrical shape. Thus, the name “Herkimer Diamond”. These stones are the most powerful of all quartz crystals, as they are double terminated and have the ability to transmit their own energies while harnessing and magnifying the energy of other stones.
Unlike real diamonds, Herkimer Diamonds are mined above ground, making them more ethical and sustainable than mined diamonds.
Herkimer Diamonds carry a raw quality that is genuine in abstraction, intended to highlight your natural beauty, without needing too much of anything else.
As mentioned, ‘Ultimate Gray’ is a color that accents any natural look or more bold look to add elevation. Not only does the color convey the message of ‘strength and hopefulness’, gray is a color that compliments any complexion or outfit.
We wanted it to be accessible so prices range from $165 to $2,500+ and each piece can be made in 14k Gold Fill or 14k Solid Gold. Each piece is designed and handmade by our jewelers in Hawai’i.
During our interview for Modern Luxury Hawai'i we were asked to describe this Herkimer Diamond Collection in three words: POWER. BOLDNESS. AND POISE.
Our collections are made in small batches so go get one for yourself!
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In Hawaii, we are always at the beach either surfing in the ocean or surrounded by the sun. Known for the tropical and sunny days year-round, Hawaii also has some crazy humidity! That’s why we use quality materials meant to last when making our jewelry pieces, like Sterling Silver and 14K Yellow Gold Fill. You probably know about Sterling Silver, but we’re here to tell you a bit about 14K Yellow Gold Fill! It’s the perfect alternative to 14K Solid Gold, without the price tag, and lasts just as long!
Kolohe designs and manufactures our Gold Fill Jewelry in-house at our HQ located in Honolulu, Hawai'i. All our jewels are handcrafted and made to the very best standard recommended by the industry.
What is difference between 14K Gold Fill vs. 14K Solid Gold?
"The second best thing to solid gold."
14K Gold Fill offers an optimal balance of quality and value as it allows for durability and top quality that is just a step down from solid gold. By working with 14K Gold Fill, we can provide you with high-quality products at an affordable price.
Not to be confused with gold plated metals, 14K Gold Fill is much more durable. While gold plated metals will tarnish right after you get it wet, 14k Gold Fill will last throughout your showers and water adventures!
How is 14K Gold Fill metal made?
With 14K Gold Fill, the process involves mechanically pressure bonding the gold to the core, typically made of high-quality jeweler’s brass, with a thick 14K Solid Gold layer. Through this process, which is highly regulated by industry standards, Gold Fill metals results in a more resilient exterior that’s prone to tarnishing, flaking, or cracking.
Can 14K Gold Fill Jewelry get wet?
Yes, Gold Fill Jewelry can get wet! You can shower with Kolohe's 14K Gold Fill pieces (and Sterling Silver!). Still, we recommend taking off rings, especially, so the soaps don’t get stuck onto your pieces or tangled in your hair when brushing products through.
Does 14K Gold Fill tarnish or turn on the skin?
Kolohe's 14K Gold Fill Jewelry does NOT tarnish or turn on the skin. The most that you will start to see minute discoloration on Gold Fill Metal is 20-30 years after your initial wear. What makes 14K Gold Fill so attractive to many shoppers is the metal's hypoallergenic qualities that allows people who are sensitive to Gold Plated or Gold Vermeil wear jewelry at a fraction of Solid Gold cost.
How do I care for my Kolohe 14K Gold Fill Jewelry Pieces?
Have more questions about gold-filled jewelry? Feel free to contact us and ask. We'd love to help!
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