Having spent my childhood in Hawaii I learned the difference between being ‘local’ or a tourist. In the 1950’s, just after the war, Ming’s of Honolulu Jewelry store opened. They catered to the local women rather than the tourists.

Most of the women who lived on the island had either an earring, bracelet, ring, or necklace using these hand carved Pikake flowers. (my sainted mother had them all!) It was a ‘symbol’ that you were local and that meant something in a place with so many tourists. As a local you were treated differently. Better deals at the fruit stands, better prices for homes, better meat from the butcher etc. Basically, you were given the space at the front of the line. Pikake flowers are revered for their perfume. Wearing a lei of them keeps your mind in a gentle place……. or it does for me.

My sainted mother used to say “Susie if you’re not feeling well always wear white around your face so your complexion looks rosier”

More history than you need!

Measures approximately 2” long from the top of the 14 karat gold fill ear wire.