a charmed life

rainbows over hilo * kopa'a * ehiku

as the newly coined recessionista badge finds more and more converts, pinched budgets high on style but low on funds will appreciate the tempting price tags ($13 to $150) of kahili creations. on a lark, marcia asuncion richhiuti turned what had been a sideline making jewelry for friends into a shop on etsy last year with hopes that the extra income would help pay the family's grocery tab.

the designs proved to be so popular that kahili creations soon found a devoted following of etsians and was featured earlier this summer on the storque's quit your day job series filled with lots of good advice for aspiring indie biz owners. marcia's sharp eye for color and shape (the big island jewelry designer refined her design chops at fidm before moving to hawaii from los angeles to enjoy a quieter lifestyle with her growing 'ohana) allow the gemstones to twinkle center stage with a minimum of fuss.

more peeks below . . .

kula * ka la, ka mahina * okupukupu

ipu hula * ulu hoku * makau

findings range from tourmalines and sapphires to lampworked beads and thai charms which make appearances throughout kahili's handcrafted collection and, depending on the mood, are often accompanied by gold filled vermeil or sterling silver.

adornment options abound and i suspect even the color shy will swoon for the aptly named rainbows over hilo, gorgeous technicolor tourmaline drops which would make a fabulous style souvenir to remind visitors (and kama'aina) of just why hawaii is known as the rainbow state.

coveting a pretty purchase to call your own? click over to the etsy shop or find your way to kahili creations' just opened big cartel storefront.