What You Should Know Before Buying
You may have seen the term “Hawaiian diamond” used to describe clear, sparkling stones in jewelry, but do not be misled – Hawaiian diamond is just a marketing term, not a real diamond. Anything labeled a Hawaiian diamond is not comparable to a natural diamond in any way.
At Na Hoku, we do not use or sell so-called Hawaiian diamonds, because we believe in transparency and providing only authentic, high-quality gemstones.
Is a Hawaiian Diamond a Real Gem? (Short answer: No)
Despite the name, a Hawaiian diamond is not a diamond at all. It is a loosely used term for inexpensive, non-gem-quality materials mostly used in souvenir jewelry. Most commonly, Hawaiian diamonds refer to:
- Clear quartz
- Tumbled beach glass
- Polished shell fragments
- Coral
- And occasionally, uncut olivine (a volcanic mineral found in Hawaiʻi)
In some cases, the term has been applied to green volcanic crystals known as olivine – when gem-quality, this mineral is called peridot, the birthstone for August. While these green crystals can be found on the Island of Hawai’i (commonly referred to as Big Island) – especially at Papakōlea (Green Sand Beach) – they are not rare, and in most cases, not suitable for fine jewelry.
Locals may affectionately call them “Hawaiian diamonds” or “Pele’s tears,” but they have no gemological relation to real diamonds in terms of durability, brilliance, or value.
Hawaiian Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds (Here is how they compare)
Let us take a moment to break down the differences between a so-called Hawaiian diamond and a real diamond:
Appearance
- Hawaiian diamonds may have a clear or softly sparkling look, depending on the material.
- Real diamonds offer unmatched brilliance, fire, and precision-cut shine.
- While the jewelry made with Hawaiian diamonds is certainly pretty, be aware that these stones are not equivalent in any way to natural diamonds.
Hardness
- Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs scale — the hardest natural substance on Earth.
- Quartz and olivine (peridot) rank around 6.5 to 7, meaning they are much softer and more susceptible to scratching and wear.
Cost and Value
- Real diamonds and fine gemstones and tend to hold lasting value due to their rarity and durability.
- Hawaiian diamonds, made from inexpensive materials like quartz, beach glass, or shell, do not retain value and are not suitable for heirloom or fine jewelry.
- It is important to understand that you are not getting a precious gemstone if you buy a Hawaiian diamond.
Why Na Hoku Does Not Use or Sell Hawaiian Diamonds
While the name may sound exotic, a Hawaiian diamond is not a diamond at all. At Na Hoku, we are committed to offering genuine gemstones. We do not sell or use Hawaiian diamonds because they do not meet our standards for quality, value, and authenticity.
If you are shopping for something long-lasting, choose a natural diamond, authentic peridot, or another gemstone.
When it comes to our jewelry, we do not settle for sparkle without substance. When you buy Na Hoku jewelry, you choose real gemstones, real value, and real Hawaiian craftsmanship.