Rise Jewelry
Luxury Handmade Jewelry
Classic Waves Boutique loves RISE! This collection is definitely one of our favorites. Rise Jewelry was founded in 2015 by Lisa Stevenson to share the beauty of Hawai'i through timeless pieces of handmade ocean jewelry. You can follow her @rise.hawaii or visit her website at www.risejewelry.com.
EAT.SLEEP.SHELL.REPEAT.
One of the most interesting things I learned about Lisa is that she does it all! She finds these one of a kind shells doing what she loves then she cleans and encases them in 24k gold or sterling silver. Next she shows up at pop ups all around the island showcasing her luxury pieces to you and me. Every piece is different and unique in size, color, and pattern.
Classic Waves Interviews Rise Jewelry
I got a chance to ask Lisa some questions recently about Rise and we hope you enjoy learning more.
Classic Waves:
We are surrounded by many different and unique jewelry artist in Hawai’i and there are so many choices. What does Rise want to be known for?
Lisa:
I want Rise to be known as a local Hawaiian brand that uses one of a kind finds to transform each piece into fine, minimal jewelry. I want people to know the company has values that my employees and I stand by, some of which are to protect and respect our oceans, only ethically source/find our materials, and make sure our customers are elated over their new piece.
Classic Waves:
Out of all the shells you've discovered, what is the most memorable shell you've found diving?
Lisa:
Definitely a Sunrise Shell. I remember scuba diving not expecting to find ANYTHING, and came across the cutest pink bottomed shell in the sand. It was the most perfect sunrise shell, almost as if it was sitting there waiting to be found. It sparked my curiosity to learn more about shells, and there began my passion for shell finding. I still have that first sunrise shell by the way!
Classic Waves:
Our company wants to align with brands that make an impact socially, globally, and/or environmentally. Is there anything you can share about Rise that speak to these values?
Lisa:
Yes! Thanks for asking! I sometimes create sales or promos where portions of my donations go to organizations I admire and support. Some for example are Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, Oceana, and Ocean Conservancy. A local organization I work with often on island is Make-a-Wish Hawaii. I started as a volunteer, and also donate jewelry for their ‘mermaid’ or ‘ocean adventure’ wishes. I also love to use the platform to ensure we continually educate people on respectful practices when out in the ocean. I always tell folks to never take occupied shells, and to please keep our oceans clean and respected.
Classic Waves:
Rise Jewelry began from your love of scuba. If you could go diving anywhere in the world where would you dream about going and why?
Lisa:
Oh I LOVE this! I think because I have been diving since I was in middle school, I have been so fortunate where I have planned my vacations around diving, and have dove in some of the most beautiful places in the world! My favorites have been Indonesia, Japan, Australia, and Honduras. If I could dive anywhere in the world, I would probably go to the Galapagos, or I would go back to Indonesia. The reason I would go back is because I am DYING to find a Mola Mola (sunfish) and they are usually prevalent there during some seasons. I MUST SEE ONE! :)
Classic Waves:
Can you share more about the opihi shell? It’s my favorite collection and I had to have the opihi shell ring! I get so many compliments every time I wear it!
Lisa:
Opihi shells are some of my favorite shells to find here on Hawai’i. They can usually be found on the beaches here where there’s lots of rubble. I love how minimal and delicate they look. Don’t let the cuteness of these shells fool you however; they are tenacious, strong little ones, that cling onto rocks along our Hawaiian coastlines, which serve to protect and nurture them. Locals sometimes reference their keiki as opihis, because of their similar desires to want to ‘stick’ to their parents, latching onto their source of safety and life, like an opihi to its rocky coastline.
Classic Waves:
Aside from the beautiful jewelry you create, can you share more about your van adventures and the infamous banana bread?
Lisa:
Van life has been a wild one! My fiance Nathan and I have decided we are purchasing our first townhome together in Kapolei. In order to save money, we decided to try to use the VW bus to sort of live in, and also sell banana bread out of! Crazy, I know. We aren’t really doing 100% van life since family live out in Makaha Valley and we have been fortunate to stay there with them often, but it has been an adventure to say the least! We officially move into our new home next month and then van life is no longer. We have been using the van to sell banana bread. Nathan’s mom and I share a love of baking, and so we all decided to start a company called “Makua Banana Bread.” Its truly been such a fun experience to all work together, and I have gotten to get to know and love his mom so much through this! Also, she’s 100% the head baker, she just kills it with baking in preparation for each market!
Classic Waves:
You can follow their other adventures at @thealohabus and @makukabananabread.
Tell us more!
You can also listen to her recent podcast here from @hawaiis.best where she dives in deeper about starting a business, her passion about scuba diving, the shell she is is still searching for, and much more! Thanks so much for joining us as we talk story with Rise.
RISE JEWELRY COMING SOON!
Do what you love! xoxo
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