Bliss Lau's Journey of Meaningful Jewelry Design in Hawai'i

Raised in Honolulu and now based in New York City, jewelry designer Bliss Lau shares what’s behind her ever-evolving journey of design, meaning and place.

How does Hawai‘i continue to shape your designs?

My design approach is provenance-based; I carefully choose gemstones and precious metals based on where they are from, making sure there is a positive impact on the land and that it supports the livelihoods of the people. I believe this drive comes from being raised in Hawai‘i, where the connection between people and the earth is so strong.

Creatively, the color palette of Hawai‘i always draws me back home; the shades of turquoise of the ocean at dawn, the sapphire blues of deep water, the greens of the fern-filled valleys, the bands of gold, orange and pink at sunset, the crystalline black of lava rock.

My most recent collection, Love of a Kind, features one-of-a-kind, vibrant gemstones, many inspired by memories and moments from Hawaiʻi.

Do you remember the first piece of jewelry you ever made?

The first design that truly made me realize jewelry would be my path was my own engagement ring. My husband proposed to me, not with a ring, but with a sketchbook.

It is a two-piece set that slides together and connects, but does not physically lock; your finger completes the design, holding the rings in place, connecting you directly to the piece of jewelry. Together, the two rings form a symbol of partnership, harmony and connection—my vision of life in balance. The Centered + Acute Engagement Ring Set launched my line of bridal fine jewelry and interlocking design.

Your Awaken design experience reimagines heirloom jewelry. How? 

I believe in responsible luxury, where we create jewelry that has a lasting positive impact for both people and the planet, to be cherished across generations.

Instead of new materials, we begin with a client’s heirloom jewelry and their personal story. We then create a new design that honors their family legacy and also celebrates the present.