What are Hawaiian Jewelry?
When people think of Hawaiian jewelry, the gold bangle with black enamel lettering usually comes to mind. This type of jewelry, also known as Hawaiian heirloom jewelry, was made popular by the last monarch of Hawaii, Queen Lili’uokalani. Beginning in the late 1700’s and throughout the 1800’s, Europeans sailed the Hawaiian Islands. The isolated island lifestyle ended and many natives adapted to the new ideas and fashion of sailors and missionaries. One person in particular was highly influenced by the English culture. Princess Lili’uokalani, born in 1838 was educated at the Royal School by missionaries to the western style of life. Princess Lili’uokalani was especially fascinated with Queen Victoria and all things English. In 1861, when Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert died, she turned the already traditional gold jewelry adorned with black enamel into “mourning jewelry.” Princess Lili’uokalani, when she learned of Prince Albert’s death, commissioned similar mourning jewelry for
