April Feature - Kalama Jewelry

Naoko Nonaka of Kalama Jewelry has been creating handmade jewelry for over 11 years, but her journey as an artist is deeply rooted in connection, community, and a love for the place she calls home.

She first began making jewelry in her spare time while thinking about her family and friends in Japan. “I was thinking about my family and friends in Japan and how much I missed them,” she shares. “I began creating pieces inspired by life in Hawaiʻi so they could feel connected to my world.” What started as a personal way to stay close to loved ones has grown into a meaningful and intentional creative practice.

Today, her work is inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds her. “I’m inspired by Hawaiʻi’s sunrises and sunsets, the sparkle on the ocean waves, the deep green mountains, and gem colored flowers.” That sense of place is woven into each piece she creates, using carefully selected gemstones and pearls that reflect both the colors and feeling of the islands.

Her approach to her craft is thoughtful and detail driven. “Quality is very important to me, especially the materials and the craftsmanship,” she says. “I carefully select every gemstone or pearl. I want people to feel that care.” Whether she is matching pearls for a pair of earrings or working with new materials, every step of her process is intentional.

As an artist, she embraces both the beauty and the challenges of creating. “One beautiful thing about being an artist is that you can create something that never existed before,” she shares. At the same time, she acknowledges that it can be difficult. “Sometimes a design doesn’t work, or it doesn’t come out the way I imagined. But after trying again and again, I finally make something I’m proud of.”

Being part of a local creative community is something she deeply values. “I love to support other local artists,” she says. “When I buy from other local artists, I support their family and their dreams. We grow together as a community of artists. That feels good.”

That sense of shared growth and support is at the heart of what makes her work so special. Each piece carries not only her care and intention, but also a connection to the place and community that inspire her every day.

We are so honored to feature Naoko as our April Artist of the Month and to share her work with our community.

✨ Enjoy 15% off all Kalama Jewelry in store and online during her Spotlight Week.

When you choose handmade, you are supporting artists, their stories, and the community they help build.