Koholā Humpback Whale Bracelet

All sterling silver
Hand-carved and cast
Lead and nickel free
Made in Hawaii


CARE
Please store your jewelry in a cool, dry place, ideally in anti-tarnish pouches.

All jewelry will eventually tarnish, so 'Alohi Kai silver jewelry comes with a non-toxic coating to ward it off. After wearing, just clean with gentle soap and water, and dry with a soft cloth. After a while the coating may wear off; if it does we recommend a soft polishing cloth in addition to the soap and water.

And remember to care for your jewelry by keeping it away from harsh chemicals including chlorine, salt and beauty products. Also avoid knocking, scratching or otherwise damaging your jewelry while performing activities. Look after your jewelry and it will last generations!


ABOUT Koholā – Humpback Whales
The Hawaiians revered whales, and considered them a manifestation of Kanaloa, the god of the ocean and its creatures. They were also ‘aumakua to the Hawaiians, or ancestral spirit guides. The high chiefs (ali’i) would wear whale teeth which were believed to bring power, or mana. Whales were originally called palaoa, but now that name more commonly refers to toothed whales such as sperm whales. Kolohā are more specifically humpbacks (which are filter feeders without teeth). Sadly much knowledge about whales and their special relationship to the Hawaiian culture has been lost.

The Hawaiian Islands are the principal winter breeding grounds for the North Pacific humpback whale population. From November through April, thousands of humpbacks migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters to breed, give birth, and nurse their young calves – about half the North Pacific population. They estimate the total population between 8000 – 12000, with the rest of the humpbacks spread between western Mexico and the southern islands of Japan. (note these statistics vary by source)

Humpback whales live about 40 to 50 years, and attain 45-60 ft in length; calves are between 13-16 ft long. Humpbacks spend spring and summer farther north in cooler waters like Alaska, and feed on krill and small schooling fish. An endearing characteristic we witness with whales is the affection mothers have for their young, swimming close together, often touching each other with their flippers. Indeed, one of the most most joyous things you can find in the ocean is the excitement of a baby whale learning to breach – leaping out of the ocean again and again!