The Koa tree plays a crucial role in the history of Hawaii. Legendary on these islands,  the Koa is the second most common tree on the islands. Meaning ‘warrior’ in Hawaiian, the wood has been used in countless ways over the centuries. Among these uses, Hawaiians have used Koa to craft dugout canoes, surfboards and weapons - there’s no doubt this wood has been integral to the people of these islands.

Many of the Hawaiian legends, tales of warriors and kings, reserve an important part for Koa to play. In the 17-1800s, Koa was so highly regarded that anyone who wasn’t part of the ruling class was prohibited from owning it.

In modern times, Koa has been used in guitar and ukulele production, being used on stage by famous artists worldwide, valued for its aesthetics and tone. 

We’re fascinated by the relationship between Koa and the Hawaiian islands. It’s this connection that has inspired many of our rings, using ocean inspired inlays and mountainous landscapes.

There are many reasons why this historic wood is ideal for sharing beautiful jewelry, including it’s unique color, grain pattern and durability.

With a rich color varying from deep red to golden/dark brown, this is a wood that’s highly prized for its aesthetic quality. The dark, indulgent shades make for a striking contrast with lighter woods such as Maple. We’ve used this in many of our designs, producing beautiful two-tone rings. In fact, Koa is so highly valued for its looks that landowners on Hawaiian islands often make the most of the Koa on their land. Many make a tidy profit from growing Koa.

We use this special wood because we truly believe it’s one of the most beautiful species in the world. When placed on a finger, the Koa ring always draws an audience, inviting people to stop and admire its natural beauty.

You may be thinking: if everyone loves Koa, how is it not endangered? Well, the truth is, the Koa population has suffered from human activity such as logging and grazing. Sadly, there are few trees left that are large enough to make canoes.

To help preserve this famed tree, we source all our wood from sustainably managed forests. These are forests that are grown in a controlled way, to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the Koa. We’re playing our part in continuing the Koa tradition on the Hawaiian islands.