Valerie (Stackel) Coryell
Glimmer Hawaii
IG: @glimmerhawaii
Valerie (Stackel) Coryell, from the Class of 1988, and her husband, Derek, have just launched Glimmer Hawaii Shells and Jewelry. The seeds of Glimmer were planted about four years ago when Derek sustained an injury that took away his ability to run. A lifelong athlete and coach, he sought an alternative outlet for his energy and wound up in the ocean. Soon, Derek was memorizing fish species. Next, he began collecting shells, and eventually he taught himself to make shell jewelry to share ocean treasures with friends and lead crafting workshops for students. Hoping to turn this hobby from a drain on the family budget into something financially sustainable, the Coryells began exploring ways to share their passion with others. A few years later, that vision has finally become a reality with the opening of Glimmer Hawaii!
The name Glimmer not only captures the twinkling beauty of water, sand, shells, and gold, but also evokes sparks of hope and the recurring biblical use of light as a symbol of purity, understanding, and truth.
The secret to Glimmer’s jewelry is that “the shells do the work.” Every piece relies on the uniqueness of nature; the craftsman’s role is simply to showcase as much of each shell’s rare beauty as possible.
Using shells that are 100% locally and ethically sourced, the Coryells collect each one by hand. Every shell comes exclusively from the waters of Oahu and is gathered only after it has been vacated by its natural inhabitants, including hermit crabs!
Although Glimmer Hawaii is still very new, the Coryells are excited to continue expanding both the variety and volume of their products. Currently, they offer a selection of gold-plated items, including bracelets and earrings, as well as a growing assortment of gold-filled bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Gold-filled jewelry contains significantly more gold than gold-plated jewelry, giving it the appearance and durability of solid 14k gold without the higher price point.
They have also begun offering earrings and necklaces in sterling silver. Among their more whimsical creations are bag charms that double as keychains, original shell stickers, and Hidden Treasure boxes.
This year’s Ho‘olaule‘a will be only Glimmer Hawaii’s second sales event, with its first taking place just two weeks earlier. The business represents a small step of faith for the Coryells—a chance to embrace new challenges together with hope and trust that Jesus will light the way.
