Jewelry & Accessories

Sassafras Hawaiian Jewelry

Three generations of master goldsmiths handcrafting sterling silver and 14K gold jewelry. Each piece tells a story of Hawaii or Polynesia - nothing is cast or molded, all sculpted by hand.

Sassafras is a family affair spanning three generations and over 40 years. Charles Cummings and Peggy Petersen started crafting jewelry in San Francisco in the early 1970s, selling at harvest festivals and art shows before moving to the Big Island in 1995. Their daughter Elly Mercer spent 20 years as her father's apprentice, learning metal fabrication while her mother shared retail and design expertise. Together they create the island-inspired 'Sassy' collection - each piece hand-sculpted in solid sterling silver with natural gemstones and South Seas shells.