Many Island fashion and jewelry designers begin their businesses sort of by accident. They can't find exactly the necklace or earrings or bikini they want, so they make their own. Their friends see it and want one too. Others, in turn, ask "Where did you get that fabulous (fill in the blank)?" So they make a few more. Much to their surprise, they discover a whole new career.

Such is the case with three designers who are making some of our favorite summer finds: Lynn Sien, Julie Stone and Andromeda Hendricks.

LYNN SIEN DESIGNS

Lynn Sien of Kaimuki spent much of her life in business and finance, including 17 years working as a corporate executive in Taiwan. During her extensive travels throughout Asia, she collected stones and pearls, from sapphires in Bangkok to jade in Burma and silver clasps from the hill tribes of Tibet. She can often go directly to the sources, because, fluent in Mandarin, "I know how to haggle in the boondocks" with the Chinese pearl farmers, she said.

In 2003, "I made the choice to follow my passion," she said. "I was gettin' old in my boots." So she made a radical career change from finance to designing jewelry.

Pearls are a mainstay in Sien's Feng Shui Collection.

"I am inspired by the pearls, and I choose components to enhance them," she said. She employs unusual clasps and hard-to-find gems and semi-precious stones. Eighty percent of her pieces are one of a kind; 15 percent are limited editions; and 5 percent are her "naked pearls," classic yet contemporary lariats that can be worn with everything from jeans to a little black dress.

A third-generation San Franciscan, Sien maintains a studio in the Bay Area as well as a home base in Honolulu. She also has a cadre of workers who help manufacture her designs in China.

Sien's prices range from $90 to $750 for necklaces and $25 to $800 (for earrings with diamonds or Tahitian pearls). The naked pearls seen here are $180 for 108 inches of pearls. She sells through her private showroom on Bishop Street, by appointment only. Call 415-827-3839. Information: www.LynnSienDesigns.com.

OMNIA JEWELRY

Although she majored in psychology at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, Andromeda Hendricks, 31, who was raised on Guam but now lives in 'Ewa Beach, always gravitated to art classes. Now she's using the right side of her brain as the designer of Omnia Jewelry.

Hendricks' creations begin with shells and beach glass discovered on beachcombing adventures with her two sons, ages 3 and 9.

"I'm still finding myself as a designer, but I begin with found objects and design around them," she said. "There is a very similar state of consciousness that I reach when I am consumed by nature and when I am creating art. It is very peaceful."

Hendricks is also guided by her spiritual path, which delves into "Asian philosophy, yoga and meditation." Hence the name Omnia.

"I was drawn to the word 'omnipresent' when searching for a name for a daughter, if I were to have one. I created the name Omnia from the word 'omnipresent,' then found out that omnia means 'wish' in Arabic and 'all' in Latin. It just seemed so appropriate."

Omnia's mission, Hendricks said, is to "translate the essence of the human spirit — its complexities and strengths — and our lifelong bond with nature into designs that inspire conversation, purpose and depth." She strives, she said, to create jewelry that "ignites the imagination, stirs the senses and stimulates consciousness."

In addition to found objects, Hendricks works with recycled materials, geodes, sterling silver and semiprecious stones.

Omnia Jewelry is sold at Silver Moon Emporium in Hale'iwa, the Kim Taylor Reece Gallery in Downtown Honolulu, and on Maui, at Fifi & Bootzie in Wailea and Hale Zen in Lahaina. Prices range from $42 to $260.

POSH PUA

Julie Stone, 23, of Pa'ia, could never find exactly the right bikini, so she began making her own.

A graduate of Kamehameha Schools, the former Kailua resident was taught to sew by her mother at age 12. Although she never took a class in fashion design, she now has her own line of beach wear, brought on by popular demand from friends and family.

Stone's new company, Posh Pua, is strictly a handmade operation; she sews every garment she sells. Many of her orders are for custom designs. An eco-friendly operation, Posh Pua offers any of its designs, which she can custom-make, in bamboo/organic cotton/ Lycra fabric.

"I think there is a need for more handmade, eco-friendly garments, especially cute, feminine ones," she said. "Often, eco-friendly can mean shapeless tunic or plain T-shirt, but I hope that I, along with a few other local designers, am helping to make green clothing much more attractive."

Stone has a distinctly girly aesthetic, adding little details such as lace ruffles at the hem of a maillot or frou-frou bloomers in a bold but girly print.

"I always strive to take designs that work in New York or any cold-weather city and make it more suitable to our climate," she said, adding that Island women deserve to be fashionable.

Posh Pua prices range from $38 to $104. The line is sold at Sassy Seconds in Pa'ia or online at www.posh pua.com, www.bandtheb hawaii.com and www.posh pua.etsy.com.