Leighton Lam Designs
If you’re still looking for that perfect gift this Christmas, consider Leighton Lam Designs. Known for its beautiful Island-inspired fashion jewelry, the locally owned, family-run business also is dedicated to giving back to the community. Every holiday season, the company partners with a local nonprofit to donate a portion of sales made on its website, leightonlam.com. This year, 50 percent of all purchases made online from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 will be donated to Make-A-Wish Hawaii.
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A lifelong surfer, Leighton Lam (pictured above) started his career as an artist making surfboards out of resin before transitioning to sculptures and artwork, and then eventually jewelry in the late 1970s. He started Leighton Lam Designs in 1979, and creates many of his pieces with inspiration from Hawaii’s native plants and animals. Today, he continues to draw each new design by hand, then it’s crafted into jewelry using the highest-quality materials and finest craftsmanship. “We are one of the few jewelry companies that creates designs reflective of Hawaii’s plants and animals,” says daughter Kaily Lam Smitson, who serves as sales director. “Aside from popular turtles and plumeria, we focus on the Hawaiian culture, with designs like the ulu, kukui, pikake and other lesser-known Hawaiian plants. “Leighton is an artist, and we hope that is reflected in our jewelry. A lot of jewelry in the marketplace is assembled (with parts put together), whereas a lot of our pieces are not assembled but rather an actual design or art piece (in jewelry form).”
Leighton Lam Designs can be found in various stores and resort boutiques throughout the state, including Aulani Resort, Macy’s, Lamonts, Accents, Whaler’s General Store, Oasis Lifestyle, Hawaiian Quilt Collection, Dole, Kualoa Ranch and more. For more information, visit leightonlam.com or call 373-3317.
photos by Bodie Collins
page design by Nikki Thommes
Models from Wilhelmina Hawaii
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- Kylie Nishida: Leighton Lam Designs two-strand freshwater pearl necklace $89 and bracelet $54, freshwater pearl earrings $18
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- Tiare-Kailima Haole: Leighton Lam Designs ‘Liv-n-Aloha’ signature necklace $36, earrings $19 and bracelet $26
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- Tiare-Kailima Haole: Leighton Lam Designs ‘Carved Shell’ droplet necklace $19.50 and earrings $27, and ‘Livn-Aloha’ bracelet $26
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- Linsi Helenius: Leighton Lam Designs ‘South Seas Pearl Collection’ earrings $24 and necklace $24, and freshwater pearl bangles in gold-fill $49 each
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- Linsi Helenius: Leighton Lam Designs ‘Shiva Shell’ necklace $24, hoop earrings $24 and bracelets $24 each
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- Kylie Nishida: Leighton Lam Designs ‘Carved Flower Heart’ earrings $27 and necklace $18, ‘Livn-Aloha’ bracelet $26
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- Tiare-Kailima Haole: Hawaiian Nature Collection ‘Hawaiian Quilt Designs’ by Leighton Lam ‘Pikake’ earrings in sterling silver $33, and freshwater pearl bangles in sterling silver $49 each
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- Kylie Nishida: Hawaiian Nature Collection by Leighton Lam ‘Starfish’ necklace $24 and earrings $15
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- Linsi Helenius: Leighton Lam Designs ‘Lily’ freshwater pearl earrings $36, and ‘Liv-N-Aloha’ whale tail necklace $36
