The Making of Sacred wave Hawai‘i

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At Sacred Wave Hawai‘i, we are committed to reducing plastic in our jewelry and packaging. Whenever possible, we choose natural materials — silk for stringing, cotton for packaging, and reclaimed elements in place of synthetics.

Living in Hawai‘i, we see firsthand the toll that marine debris takes on our beaches and oceans. Take a short stroll along any windward Hawai‘i beach, you will witness the millions of pieces of microplastics that wash up daily. This endangers sea life, damages delicate ecosystems, and is potentially affecting human health worldwide. 

I have a 21-year history of directing beach cleanups, conducting marine debris education, building microplastic exhibits, organizing stewardship programs, as well as studying marine science in university. The issues are close to my heart. By minimizing plastic use in my work, I aim to create jewelry that not only reflects the beauty of the ocean but also respects and protects it.

Gemstones, crystals and rocks are undoubtedly a passion for us. Here's what we aim for and are always seeking knowledge of the gemstone production industry and best practices: 

• Sourced with Care → Found at local gem expos, direct from India, on travels, and in vintage shops.
• Natural Beauty → Many beads are hand-cut semiprecious and precious gemstones. We learn to spot and avoid fakes, dyes, and unnecessary treatments whenever possible. Although we prize natural, you may see the rare appearance of lab-grown gemstones (for instance, alexandrite) but only the ones that are considered precious, expensive and uncommon. 
• Rare Finds → We seek unique and uncommon gemstones in all shapes and sizes. 
• Ethical Focus → We steer clear of stones mined or processed in harmful or unethical ways.
• Meaning & Mystery → Admired for their healing associations, chakra connections, and satisfying colors. More to come regarding specific gemstone meanings and intentions! 

We use a variety of metals to give consideration to price point as well as durability. Most of us don't know the differences in metal characteristics, but they are important and can affect the lifespan of any jewelry you own or purchase. Within our product descriptions, look for these terms below to understand exactly what you will purchase:

• Solid Gold → 100% real gold through and through. The most valuable, durable, and won’t ever tarnish.
• Gold-Filled → Thick layer of real gold bonded to base metal. Long-lasting, great quality, and budget-friendly.
• Vermeil → Sterling silver base with a thick layer of gold (better than regular plating). Durable, hypoallergenic, and luxe without the solid gold price.
• Gold-Plated Over Silver → Thin layer of gold over sterling silver. Higher quality than plating over base metal, but still delicate.
• Regular Gold-Plated → Thin layer of gold over base metal (like brass). Beautiful and affordable, but best for occasional wear.
• Sterling Silver (.925) → 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% copper for strength. Shiny, classic, and durable, though it may tarnish over time (polishes easily).

Approximately 60% of our metal findings (clasps, rings, pendants, etc) are made from recycled materials. This includes gold, vermeil, gold plated over silver, and sterling silver. 

Do you see an item you'd like to have in your choice of metal? Reach out and we will determine if we can customize it for you!

Shells carry the rhythm of the ocean — each one a natural relic of tides, sand and time. 

• Sunrise Shells → Our signature shells from Hawaii, sourced from trusted collectors with family traditions of gathering — always ensuring no live animals are taken.
• Personal Collection → Some shells are hand-collected by us along Hawaii’s shores, chosen for their natural beauty and story.
• Vintage Treasures → We also find unique shell strands and necklaces in vintage shops, giving old pieces new life.
• Natural Beauty → Each shell carries its own colors, patterns, and history, making every piece one-of-a-kind.

For centuries, pearls have been admired for their mystery, their glow, and their quiet connection to the waters they come from. They hold a special place in our hearts here in Hawaii- ever heard of Pearl Harbor? 

• Unique Beauty → While perfectly round pearls exist, we love pearls that show how nature formed them — fun, organic shapes that make each piece one-of-a-kind.
• Natural Freshwater → Most of our pearls are natural freshwater pearls in soft pinks, whites, and creams. Occasionally, we’ll use blue or purple dyed pearls when they perfectly complement a design.
• Vintage Finds → We also source vintage pearls, giving older strands new life.
• Transparency → Pearl sourcing can be complex, with much of the industry based in China and the South Seas. While we can’t always trace the exact origins, we are mindful and continue to learn about sustainability in the pearl trade.
• Timeless Appeal → Pearls are loved for their natural luster, elegance, and the way they capture light unlike any other material.

Freshwater vs. Saltwater Pearls

• Freshwater pearls are typically grown in rivers and lakes, often in China, and they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and natural colors (like pinks, whites, and creams).
• Saltwater pearls (such as South Sea, Tahitian, and Akoya) are usually rounder and rarer, with a higher price point.

Be aware of improperly sourced coral as there are laws protecting these stunning living animals. Coral ecosystems are considered a vital indicator of the Earth's environmental health and we should do everything we can to protect them. 

• We honor the ocean’s living reefs and do not purchase or use newly harvested coral. All coral in our designs is vintage or antique, sourced from older strands or estate collections. This allows us to celebrate coral’s natural beauty while respecting current protections and sustainability practices.
• Many coral species are now protected under international trade laws (CITES) due to over harvesting and environmental concerns. By choosing only vintage coral, we ensure our designs honor both the beauty of coral and the need to protect living reefs.
• Natural vs. Dyed → Many vintage corals were dyed to enhance their color. Whenever possible, we seek out natural coral, but on occasion we use vintage dyed coral to preserve the integrity of a strand and give it new life.
• "Coral Resin" beads: Coral powder is made by grinding ancient coral limestone bedrock into a fine powder, then mixing it with resin. The blend is shaped into beads and hand-carved — with no harm to living coral reefs. Check out our pikake and crown flower beads, for example. 

Our Trees to Seas style features naturally fragrant wooden beads. The aroma is never enhanced. Our beads are the real deal! Look for these terms in the item's description: 

• Australian Sandalwood → Soft, woody fragrance with golden-brown tones. A sustainable alternative to Indian sandalwood.
• Indian Sandalwood → Rich aroma and smooth texture. Traditional, rare, and highly prized.
• Vera Wood → Dense, greenish hardwood that deepens over time. Naturally fragrant and durable.
• Palisander → Reddish-brown hardwood with bold grain. Strong and exotic in appearance.
• Thuja → Golden to reddish-brown, fine-grained, and aromatic. Symbol of protection and longevity.
• Mango Wood → Sustainable hardwood with warm hues and unique grain, sourced after fruiting.
• Ebony Sandalwood → Dark, elegant wood with deep brown to black tones. Luxurious and grounding.
  

By choosing silk over plastics for a majority of our products, we minimize waste and create jewelry that feels as natural as the elements it’s made from.

• Strength & Durability → Silk is naturally strong yet flexible, giving each strand lasting wear.
• Natural Material → A sustainable alternative to plastic-based cords, keeping our designs closer to nature.
• Elegant Drape → Silk knots allow gemstones and pearls to move gracefully and sit beautifully when worn.
• Safety for Gemstones → Knots protect delicate beads from rubbing against each other, reducing wear and breakage.
• Timeless Tradition → Hand-knotting with silk is a centuries-old jewelry technique that adds artistry and value.
• Repairable & Adjustable → Silk can be re-knotted if needed, making your jewelry easier to maintain over time.
• Keep an eye out for our signature macrame end loops. It's a neat and tidy little way we connect our hand knotted strands to the clasps. These add strength, uniqueness and negates the need for an open metal jump ring. 

Silk-Nylon cord is used for products that intend to be more durable when exposed to water, and we will nore this in the item description. 

We love breathing new life into vintage treasures — from beads, pearls, coral, and gemstones to shell strands and Peking glass. Vintage materials are often more rare and limited in supply, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Choosing vintage also means reusing what already exists, a choice that honors the Earth while celebrating the artistry of the past.

Every piece of jewelry arrives in a 100% cotton muslin bag, reusable and made in the USA, stamped with our Sacred Wave Hawaii logo. We ship in recycled boxes and finish each package with reclaimed ribbon and packing materials, giving new life to what might otherwise be discarded. Our packaging is designed to be simple, beautiful, and kind to the Earth — just like the jewelry inside.