TrendsOct 27, 2023
Piece of the Week: Cicada’s Witchy BroochEvents & AwardsNov 03, 2023
Piece of the Week: A Little Aloha
Hawai’i-based designer Sharon Lehua Gilbert’s gold and diamond “Kumu Nalu” bracelet pays homage to the ocean.
Last Saturday, the Hawaii Jewelers Association held its annual banquet and the highlight of the evening was learning who won the association’s design contest.
Presented live at the banquet each year, the contest recognizes the best in jewelry design the Aloha State has to offer.
Pieces entered into the contest are judged based on quality, wearability, and overall appearance, and are sorted into three categories: Jewelry Under $3,500 retail, Jewelry Over $3,500 retail, and Hawaiian Theme Jewelry.
This year, this author had the privilege of being one of the judges and had a hard time playing favorites, though Sharon Lehua Gilbert’s “Kumu Nalu” bracelet was a standout.
It caught this author’s eye and nabbed the People’s Choice Award in the Jewelry Over $3,500 category.
Related stories will be right here …
Presented live at the banquet each year, the contest recognizes the best in jewelry design the Aloha State has to offer.
Pieces entered into the contest are judged based on quality, wearability, and overall appearance, and are sorted into three categories: Jewelry Under $3,500 retail, Jewelry Over $3,500 retail, and Hawaiian Theme Jewelry.
This year, this author had the privilege of being one of the judges and had a hard time playing favorites, though Sharon Lehua Gilbert’s “Kumu Nalu” bracelet was a standout.
It caught this author’s eye and nabbed the People’s Choice Award in the Jewelry Over $3,500 category.
Gilbert is the owner of Lehua Jewelers on the “Big Island” (Hawai’i). She has been handcrafting Hawaiian heirloom jewelry depicting flowers and other motifs from the islands since 1985.
Her Kumu Nalu bracelet is an embodiment of traditional Hawaiian jewelry and craftmanship.
The piece also serves as a nod to the connection between the Hawaiian people and the ocean, which is always teaching valuable life lessons, whether it is through sailing, swimming, surfing, or fishing. Its name means “the source of the wave.”
The bracelet is crafted in 18-karat yellow gold with teal and white diamonds hand-picked to reflect the vibrant spirit and colors of the ocean.
Learn more about Gilbert and her work on the Lehua Jewelers website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
