Island Treasures: Sassafras—Waimea, Kailua-Kona

Sara Hayashi

“What we do is quickly becoming a lost art. It’s important to support the artists carrying on traditions and techniques of old.”

Hand-sculpted jewelry from Sassafras are hand fabricated, one-of-a-kind pieces. These wearable works of art are made from solid 14K gold, sterling silver, and natural gemstones. The metal starts in sheet, bar stock, and wire form, which are then transformed into unique pieces of jewelry. Each bezel setting is also custom made for each stone.

“Not many jewelers use this technique,” says Charles Cummings, the original artist for Sassafras. Nothing is cast or molded; it’s all sculpted by hand, ensuring that every piece is an original.

After learning how to make brass hardware from a man in Hollywood in the 1960’s, Charles taught himself to work in a smaller scale with precious metals. His daughter, Elly, attended school for interior design and then continued her education with a 10-year apprenticeship under her father to learn the same hand fabrication techniques.

Along with Peggy Petersen (Jewelry Designer & Sales), they began selling their work at craft fairs on Hawai‘i Island in 1995. Their commitment to providing high quality, rare products at affordable prices soon led them to open two stores, one in Kona in Ali‘i Gardens and another in Waimea on Māmalahoa Highway.

If you are looking for a unique piece of wearable art that is expertly crafted on Hawai‘i Island, check out Sassafras Hand Sculpted Jewelry! ❖

Sassafras
Waimea: 64-1032 Māmalahoa Hwy.
Kailua-Kona: 75-6129 Ali‘i Dr.
808.885.1081
sassafrashawaii@live.com
SassafrasHawaii.com