MING'S HAWAIIAN JEWELRY

Ming's started producing and selling hand carved ivory jewelry in the early 1940s and continued until they closed their business in the late 1990s. Their most popular pieces collected today are hand carved ivory and sterling silver brooches, earring, bracelets of Hawaiian flowers, leaves, tropical sea life, Polynesian warriors and the famous Chinese phoenix bird.

Cast and hand-wrought sterling silver pieces were stamped on back "MING'S," and all ivory pieces were hand signed in ink "Ming's" usually with a description of the piece - such as "Ming's Honolulu Ivory Plumeria Blossom." The earliest ivory pieces were hand signed "Ming's" in reddish brown ink, and then in later years "MING'S" was printed in black ink. Sterling and tinted or dyed ivory pieces were the most popular sellers, and some of the most spectacular pieces made. They were always signed on the ivory and stamped on the sterling silver. Ming's used only the finest African elephant ivory, which was legally purchased and imported.

Ming's Hawaiian Rain God Bracelet circa 1950s. Styled after an authentic ancient Hawaiian temple statue, it measures 7" long with each face 1 3/8" tall by 3/4" wide. This is the actual bracelet that was used in the photograph on the opening page of the Hawaiian jewelry chapter in Don Severson's book Finding Paradise - Island Art in Private Collections (Honolulu, 2002). It is one of the most extraordinary pieces in our collection.

A little bit about us.....

We have bought, sold and collected Hawaiian jewelry and textiles for over 25 years. We have also contributed to many articles and books written on the subject. Most of the jewelry photographed in Severson's book is ours and represents part of what we are currently selling on eBay. Feel confident that the pieces you purchase are authentic and as described.

Thank you for your support. We appreciate your business.

Aloha, Jim Olarte & Larry Craig

Please check our eBay Store for Ming's and other vintage Hawaiiana

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