Built to Be Worn
Made to Stay
We changed what our jewelry is made of.
This is the whole story of why
We didn't set out to reformulate anything. We set out to make one thing we'd be proud to put on someone's body every single day, and then we spent the past 2 years learning what that actually required.
Here's what we found out: the hardest part of jewelry isn't making it beautiful. It's making it stay.
Where we started
When we launched, we chose our original formula because it was the best answer available to us at the time. It was a real material with real integrity, leagues beyond the costume plating that dominates this industry, and we stood behind it.
But we kept running into the same quiet limitation.
We were writing care instructions: Watch for scratching. Wipe it dry. Keep it away from perfume and cleaners. Reasonable advice, all of it. But it asked a person to think about their jewelry a lot in order to keep it pristine. And we knew there had to be a better way.
We've always believed the best piece you own is the one you forget you're wearing. Everyday (non-solid gold) jewelry should be able to live an everyday life (within reason): dishes, ocean water, sunscreen, sleep. So we went looking for something that could.
What we did about it
We spent 25 months testing alternatives. Lots of them were worse. Some were cheaper in ways that would have solved our problem by handing it back to the customer. Some would have 3-5x the price.
Then we landed on PVD gold, and it took us a while to believe it.
PVD stands for physical vapor deposition. In plain terms: real gold is vaporized inside a vacuum chamber and bonded to the surface of the piece at a molecular level. It isn't a coating sitting on top of the metal. It becomes part of it.
The result is a finish that is extremely harder than traditional plating, over a 316L stainless steel core that will not rust, will not turn, and contains no nickel.
What that means in a life:
- It goes in the water. Ocean, pool (no chlorine), shower, sink. All of it.
- It doesn't need a routine. No removing it at night. No polishing cloth ritual. No dedicated pouch. Just a gentle thought here and there.
- It's kind to sensitive skin. No nickel, no reaction, no green.
- It holds its color. Not just for a season.
(old formula color pictured above)
Let's talk about the color
You will notice a difference. And we'd rather you hear it from us than discover it yourself.
Our previous finish carried a brighter, more vibrant gold tone with a high-polish look. The new Gold PVD finish has a slightly deeper, richer tone, which is a natural result of the upgraded coating process designed for improved durability and everyday wear.
This change was intentional and necessary.
In developing our new formula, we prioritized:
• Longer-lasting performance
• Improved resistance to everyday wear
• Better suitability for moisture and sweat
• A refined gold tone designed for daily life
Our previous formula was at its truest on day one and softened from there. This one doesn't have a day one. However, with every non-solid gold piece of jewelry, there may be dullness or eventually (years down the line) some kind of change. That's inevitable with alternative jewelry. But, our formula was made to provide you with a cost-conscious option that lasts with wear.
If you're mixing old and new: Stacked together, there is a visible difference in color. The old formula has a stronger yellow tint, while PVD is more subdued when worn side by side. If you're building a set and want them to sit together perfectly, reach out and we'll provide our best suggestions. And if you love the way your older pieces have aged, that's a real thing too. Patina isn't a flaw!
What didn't change
The designs. The time put into each custom piece. The way we finish an edge. The person who packs your order.
We reformulated because we finally found a way to make our jewelry even better.
If you already own our older pieces
We want to say this carefully, because it matters to us.
Nothing you own became lesser the day we changed. You bought a piece made with care from a material we believed in, and that piece is still exactly what it was when you received it. Some of you have been wearing yours for years. We've seen the photos. They're beautiful, and they're beautiful because they've been lived in. But, we wanted to address two things: 1) The amount of mindfulness that goes into making sure there are no scratches and 2) the customers who want an everyday piece without the solid gold price tag.
What changed isn't our opinion of what we made. It's what became possible.
If you're wearing an older piece and you love it, keep wearing it. If it's changed in a way that disappoints you or you want to try out our new formula, reach out to us via email aloha@kaohanajewelry.com and we'll take care of you.
Our promise
We didn't find our way here alone. Every email, every photo, every time one of you told us honestly what was and wasn't working. That's what moved us to find something better. You showed us what these pieces have to survive the ocean, the keiki, the years. We went looking for something that could keep up.
So here's what we carry forward. We'll always tell you what your jewelry is made of. We'll always tell you when we learn something that changes our mind. And when you tell us something isn't right, we'll listen the way we did the first time!
We're not finished and we'd rather keep growing alongside you than in front of you.
Mahalo for being part of this. You're the reason it's better than it was.
Every PVD piece is backed by our 12 month warranty.