The most common traditional style for Hawaiian wedding bands is the Heirloom jewelry style. This tradition began in the late 1800s when Princess Lili'uokalani received a hand-engraved bracelet as a gift from Queen Victoria. The Princess often wore the bracelet throughout her later reign as Queen, and the style grew in popularity on the islands.
Heirloom rings are wide barrel-style bands, typically 8mm for women and 10mm for men, usually made of yellow, white or rose gold. Fourteen-karats gold is most commonly used, although some rings are made of platinum or titanium instead. The bands are carved in relief or hand-tooled in patterns such as wreaths, leaves, flowers (usually Plumeria), old-English scroll or swirls, and personalized with scrollwork writing. They can also be set with any shape of diamond or stone of your choice.
One feature of heirloom rings is that they are intended for both of the betrothed and not merely of the bride. These rings can be solid gold or the scrollwork may be inlaid; often they are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, enamel, or onyx. The pattern and scrollwork chosen is the same on both rings, his being slightly wider. The styles for scrollwork writing are varied and in many cases unique to the jeweler or family tradition in which the ring is made, such as Royal Maile or Na Hoku. The writing might be your beloved's name, or a word or phrase to express how you feel. Here are some examples, in the beautiful mother tongue:
- Aloha - "Love"
- Ho'oheno - "To cherish"
- Me ke aloha - "With love"
- Leialoha - "Wreath of love"
- Nani - "Beauty"
- Laule'a - "Happiness"
A romantic alternative to Heirloom jewelry is the more contemporary style of handmade gold flower rings, featuring exquisitely detailed designs such as roses, hibiscus, or orchids. These can be gold or inlaid with mother-of-pearl or enamel, and can also be set with diamonds or other gemstones or pearls.
Handmade jewelry is a highly respected craft in Hawaii, and Hawaiian jewelers strive to present a deep sense of tradition and love for the islands. Their passion and attention to detail sets them apart from manufacturers, and in owning a piece of handmade jewelry from Hawaii, you possess a small treasure and a unique piece of the islands.
The exchange of Hawaiian wedding rings is a perfect way to integrate the exotic warmth and beauty of the tropics into your new lives together. Aloha!