New Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry Collection Hiluhilu Brings Us Back to Our Roots
Hiluhilu is a collaboration between Kumu Hula Sonny Ching and local jewelry labels Paradisus and Jason Dow Jewelry.
We’ve been thoroughly enjoying the recent resurgence of heirloom-style Hawaiian jewelry. Steeped in mo‘olelo and history, with a dash of nostalgia for some of us, the pieces offer a beautiful connection to local culture.
Now, adding to the array is Hiluhilu, a new collection of Hawaiian bangles and rings born from a collaboration between Kumu Hula Sonny Ching and local jewelry labels Paradisus and Jason Dow Jewelry. Why heirloom styles now, when fast fashion is de rigueur?
“People are yearning for jewelry with roots,” Ching says. “These pieces represent family, memory and place, whether you’re from Hawai‘i or deeply connected to it in spirit.”
The idea for the project came about many years ago when Ching and Paradisus co-owner Akemi Ueda, who jointly design the Sonny Ching Collection under the Paradisus umbrella, dreamt up heirloom bangles for Ueda’s three children. “Hiluhilu means to beautify or dignify,” Ueda says.
Made in Hawai‘i, the elevated range is crafted from solid 14-karat gold. And what makes it feel especially fresh are the intricate designs hand-engraved by Dow, which represent Hawaiian mana‘o and motifs, from fern fronds and spears to fishing nets and weaving patterns. “It’s an invitation to carry forward tradition, meaning and personal legacy in a distinctly luxurious way,” Ueda says.
Brie Thalmann is the home and style editor of HONOLULU Magazine.
