Melissa by Koloa

“Koloa” is the Tongan kupu for “treasure” and it acknowledges the rich tradition of craftsmanship in Tonga. This is the beautiful name given to the family business established by Uluaki & Sonia Fonua who are based in Tāmaki Makaurau. These beautifully crafted earrings comprise of ‘ngatu’ (mulberry cloth) embedded in resin to be held in place and preserved for the wearer to appreciate. Ngatu is also known across Te Moana nui a Kiwa as; Tapa, Kapa, Siapo and Hiapo and undergoes a time intensive process of harvesting, peeling, scraping, soaking, beating, and drying the bark (fibre). The Ngatu is then decorated with beautiful traditional patterns, significant flora and fauna of Tonga. These earrings make the perfect gift or addition to your jewellery collection- every individual piece is unique, depending on where the Ngatu has been cut, so no two pairs of earrings will be the same.