Hawaii or Your Own Special Island Emerald & Diamond Necklace

Thirty-four years ago, my wife and I went to Hawaii. We stayed on Maui for four days acclimating to Pacific weather and tables full of tropical fruit, then we went Kauai and a gem education session for six days.

One day, I went on a jet helicopter to tour the island of Kauai. My wife was three months pregnant, so I went alone. The jet helicopter was like one big glass sphere. The ceiling, the walls, even the floor were clear, so there was a 360° view. The helicopter took off, rising fast. Forward motion was even faster, 2, 3, 4, 5 times faster. With jet propulsion, the helicopter shot off like a rocket.

We were weightless with tropical jungles shooting by. We were headed to the North Shore and the sea. All around the lush green island, waves broke in white froth and foam on the coral rocks. This was not a simple sightseeing trip, it felt like a death-wish military operation. I had anticipated nothing of this. It was one moment of awe and wonder after another. Once he had scared the Devil out of me and the other passengers, the pilot returned to the airfield. The poster for a jet helicopter ride was definitely understated. Karen made the right decision not to go.

Our necklace represents the island, specifically the island of Kauai. It’s any island though, lush green surrounded with waves coming to shore, breaking in white froth and foam circling the green center. If you’ve been to Hawaii this necklace is perfect. If you have a summer place on an island, then you understand this necklace. It’s your island.