Having spent my childhood in Hawaii I learned the difference between being ‘local’ or a tourist. In the 1950’s, just after the war, Mings 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 overrun with 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 intoxicating perfume. Wearing a lei made with them keeps your mind in a gentle, soft place. or it does for me.

Hand carved and antique Ivory Pikake flower below a large golden baroque pearl.

These beauties are made with 14 Karat Gold Fill wire and measure approximately 3” long from the top ear wire.