Unseen Treasures

Museum vaults often contain artifacts that, for one reason or another, rarely see the light of day. Here’s a peek at hidden gems in the permanent collections of Honolulu’s major museums.

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Photo: Olivier Koning

Princess Kaiulani Necklace

Bishop Museum

In 1897, Queen Kapiolani presented many of her jewels to Princes Kaiulani, who was engaged to be married; this confection of aquamarine and diamonds, originally crafted with silver chains, was part of her gift. When Kaiulani replaced the chains with the strands of small pearls of which she was so fond, this exquisite necklace, seen here in public for the first time, took its final form.

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