Jewelry bridges the internal and external, serving as a vessel of self-expression that reveals what we value and how we connect with the world. Spanning epochs and cultures, each piece is an alchemy of emotions, connections, and legacies—a reflection of our histories and the lives we’ve lived. With every wear, it grows more personal, more storied, more uniquely yours.

From my earliest ID Collection designs—charm anklets, bracelets, and Figaro Chain Hoops featuring letters and symbols—to today’s custom creations, I’ve sought to capture the essence of identity in timeless designs, often inspired by the written word, the beauty of a single character, or the subtle power of an inscribed detail.

Now, I’m thrilled to introduce the next evolution of this journey: the addition of signature lettering created exclusively for Anna Kikue. Designed by my brother-in-law, Kapono Chung—a brilliant creative director and founder of Combo, a New York based branding studio—this new lettering is a true fusion of artistry, heritage, and innovation.

At a time when identity is so often erased, diminished, and flattened, the ancient practice of adornment feels more vital than ever. Through these tangible expressions, we honor who we are and what we cherish—transforming our stories into enduring, wearable truths.

The Inspiration

Drawing influence from the graceful forms of Japanese calligraphy, the enduring beauty of ancient scripts, and the bold graphic elements of Black Letter found in Hawaiian jewelry, this lettering pays tribute to cultural heirlooms while reimagining them as modern classics. It's a love letter to our families' shared heritages—drawing from Japanese, Korean, and Hawaiian influences, woven together by the beauty of mixed identities—and a celebration of what it means to tell new stories through design.

The Process

Kapono approached the lettering with the philosophy that design is a powerful tool for storytelling. Each character was hand-drawn and meticulously refined to balance elegance, movement, and structure. The result is a harmony of timeless beauty and future-forward boldness, brought to life in both graphic and physical metal forms.

“Black Letter was originally a calligraphic script and one of the first types of lettering to be printed due to its boldness and structure. It made its way to Hawaii in the late 1800s, in the form of a bracelet that belonged to Hawaii's beloved Queen Liliʻuokalani. Since then, it has carried deep meaning in Hawaii, especially when gifted and engraved with a custom name or a phrase of love or endearment.

Japanese calligraphy, by contrast, dates back over 3,000 years, originating from Chinese characters. Known for its beautiful, organic brushstrokes, its characters feel like works of art even in printed form.

When Anna approached me to collaborate on this collection, we explored the organic silhouettes of the brush strokes found in Japanese characters paired with the structured elegance of Black Letter. This resulted in bespoke characters that juxtapose flowing brush forms with angular, structured lines.

I first encountered Black Letter as a child, seeing it etched on gold bangles on my Tutu’s (grandmother’s) wrist. I then noticed my mother and aunties also had similar bracelets. Like many other Hawaiians, all the women in my life wore these bracelets as symbols of family, belonging, and connection, a tradition carried through generations.

This typeface is our homage to heritage, kin, and identity.”

Introducing the AK Signature ID Pendants

The AK Signature ID Pendants, the first manifestation of this bespoke lettering and timeless way to express your story, are now available for order on annakikue.com. Whether adorned with your initials, or those of a loved one or meaningful place, these pendants are crafted to become cherished personal heirlooms.

• Each letter is ~12mm long (~16mm long with the bail) and ~.8mm thick.
• The pendant is available in solid silver or 14K yellow gold, alone or with a chain.
• Silver pendants are ready to ship. Gold pendants are made to order (please allow 2-4 weeks).
• To special order a particular chain style or metal type, contact custom@annakikue.com.
• Designed and made in NY.

The AK Signature Lettering is also available for engraving on our designs, allowing you to personalize your pieces with this unique typography. For special orders, custom@annakikue.com.