THE PROCESS
Electroplating is a process that uses a mild electric current to coat a surface with a thin layer of metal. At KĀHIKO, we carefully preserve real plants and use copper electroplating to form a delicate, lasting metallic shell over their natural structure. This transforms the unique textures of each plant: leaves, needles, or stalks; into one-of-a-kind, wearable jewelry that captures the beauty of nature.
Sustainable Harvesting
Our process begins with deep respect for the living world. We practice a combination of wild harvesting and collaboration with local farmers. Before any harvest, we ask the plants for permission, honoring their spirit and role within the ecosystem. All plant material we work with is highly abundant and often considered agricultural or natural waste—elements that would otherwise be discarded. By working only with what is regenerative and plentiful, we ensure our practice remains intentional, respectful, and rooted in reciprocity with nature.
Structural Weaving
We carefully weave fine copper wire into the plants by hand, following their natural growth patterns to support and preserve their organic structure. This process gently shapes each piece while reinforcing its form, allowing the plant to remain stable and expressive throughout plating.
SEALING + CRYSTAL EMBEDDING
We first seal each plant with natural shellac, a resin harvested from the secretions of the lac bug, which preserves and protects the delicate structure while preparing it for plating. Once sealed, we prime the plant with our custom paint, carefully blended with over 98 micropulverized crystals—including Oʻahu Clear Quartz, Alchemical Gold, Maui Sand, Mono-atomic Ocean Water, Fulvic Minerals, Mono-Atomic Copper, 96 World Crystals, Zero State Gold, and Plant Crystals—infusing each piece with energy, resonance, and a heightened connection to the natural and elemental world.
CONDUCTIVE PAINTING
We create a finely tuned conductive paint by blending graphite with a natural binder and infusing it with the essence of Lōkēlani rose, capturing its heart-centered energy and gentle resilience. This coating makes the plant electrically conductive so it can be electroplated, and we airbrush it for a smooth, even layer that preserves the plant’s delicate form while preparing it for metal plating.
COPPER ELECTROPLATING
Once the plant is coated with conductive paint, we electroplate it in a copper sulfite solution, passing a controlled electrical current through the surface. This gradually deposits a layer of copper onto the plant, preserving every intricate detail while giving it a strong, conductive foundation for further plating.
silver + GOLD PLATING
After building the copper base, we continue with silver and gold plating by submerging the piece in their respective metal solutions and applying a precise electrical current. The metals are deposited in thin, even layers over the copper, enhancing the piece’s durability, luster, and energetic qualities while preserving every natural detail of the plant
FINISHING
Once plating is complete, we finish each piece by adding fasteners, end caps, or posts, transforming the plated plants into wearable jewelry. For copper pieces, we apply a thin resin seal to protect the metal from tarnishing, ensuring the piece retains its shine and beauty over time.