Made with Heart, for a Journey Across Oceans- handcarved graduation gift
Graduation is a powerful milestone—a moment of reflection, celebration, and new beginnings. For this special occasion, I created a one-of-a-kind handcrafted pendant as a graduation gift for a dear college friend’s daughter. She’s graduating from college in Hawai‘i and leaving the islands to begin an exciting new journey in Boston.
As an artisan who values storytelling through craftsmanship, I wanted to give her something deeply meaningful—a keepsake rooted in culture, hand-carved from natural materials, and intentionally designed to carry strength, beauty, and protection.
A Symbol of Strength: Koa Wood Pendant
This graduation pendant was carved from koa wood, a treasured hardwood native to Hawai‘i. Known for its strength and warrior spirit, koa has long been a symbol of courage, resilience, and leadership in Hawaiian tradition. I sourced this particular piece of koa wood while in Hawai‘i—a special find I had been saving for a piece with purpose. Its natural chatoyance and rich, flowing grain give it a shimmering depth that reflects the beauty of the islands.
Meaningful Design: Niho Mano, Citrine & Black Onyx
For the design, I engraved a Niho Mano pattern—Hawaiian shark teeth—around the edge of the pendant. This powerful motif represents protection, adaptability, and fearlessness. It’s a design that speaks to navigating life’s unknown waters with courage and grace.
At the center, I set a faceted Citrine gemstone, chosen for its association with optimism, clarity, and new beginnings. It brings a warm golden energy to the piece—perfect for someone stepping into a bright future.
To frame the design, I inlaid crushed black onyx into the Niho Mano pattern. Black onyx is my personal favorite stone for its grounding energy and quiet strength. Together, Citrine and Onyx create a powerful contrast—light and dark, energy and calm, fire and stone.
How It Was Made: A Wabi Sabi Approach
Every detail of this handcrafted Hawaiian pendant was shaped by hand:
The koa wood was cut with a coping saw, then carved into a perfectly imperfect circle inspired by wabi sabi—the Japanese aesthetic that honors beauty in imperfection.
The Niho Mano design was laser-engraved and carefully inlaid with crushed black onyx.
The Citrine gemstone was set into the center by hand, with intention and care.
Over 10 layers of CA finish were applied and sanded between coats to achieve a high-gloss shimmer while protecting the wood.
The back of the pendant is engraved with her name and graduation year for a personal, lasting touch.
This piece isn’t just jewelry—it’s a wearable story. A handcrafted graduation gift that connects heritage, intention, and artistry.
A Gift to Carry Forward
My hope is that every time she wears this koa wood graduation pendant, it reminds her of home, of her roots, and of the inner strength she carries into the world. May it protect her, inspire her, and keep her grounded as she begins this next chapter in Boston.
Give This Pendant As a Graduation Gift
If you’re looking for a meaningful graduation gift for her, this design is available as a custom order through my Wabi Roots collection. Each piece is handcrafted using ethically sourced Hawaiian koa wood and can be personalized with a name, graduation year on the back.
Whether your graduate is leaving for college, starting a new job, or beginning a new adventure far from home, this pendant offers a daily reminder of their roots, their resilience, and the people who believe in them.
Personalized Koa Wood Graduation Pendant – Niho Mano Design with Citrine & Black Onyx
$120.00
A Meaningful Graduation Gift, Handcrafted with Aloha in Hawaiian Koa Celebrate a new chapter with this handcrafted koa wood pendant, featuring the Niho Mano (shark teeth) motif, a faceted Citrine gemstone, and crushed black onyx inlay. Designed as a personalized graduation… read more
Care Instructions
This koa wood pendant has been sealed with a multi-layer CA finish to enhance its natural beauty and protect it from moisture.
To keep your handcrafted pendant looking its best:
Avoid prolonged exposure to water (remove before showering or swimming).
Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight when not in use.
Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the surface if it gets dusty.
Avoid dropping or striking the pendant against hard surfaces, especially the gemstone.
With gentle care, this keepsake will remain beautiful for years to come.
Aloha ‘oe. A hui hou. Until we meet again.
