Island Style Jewlry Maker
I collect and create all you see in my shop. I gather all my shells on Kauai, Hawaii. I have spent many hours on the beaches of Kauai picking shells, this is a very tedious art form that not that many people do anymore. I work mainly with Kahelelani shells, Puka shells, Cone shells, Sunrise shells and Island seeds. I can custom make just about anything and love new ideas. I do not sell in shops or markets anymore. I hope you enjoy my work.
About the Shells:
The Kahelelani Shells are only found in a small region of the Pacific. Most of them wash up on Niihau, we do get some on only a few beaches here on Kauai. They are a very special shell in that they are the ONLY shell in the world that is classified as a gem, and can be insured as one. At one time they were actually worth more per ounce than gold! This ancient art of using the shells to create adornments has been practiced by the Hawaiians since their arrival to the islands. At one time only the royalty, or Ali'i, were allowed to wear them. Today only a handful of people keep this tradition alive, making these already rare and sought after shells even more valuable. I am proud to keep such a historic art form from dying, and hope that you enjoy my work, Mahalo.
About the Shells:
The Kahelelani Shells are only found in a small region of the Pacific. Most of them wash up on Niihau, we do get some on only a few beaches here on Kauai. They are a very special shell in that they are the ONLY shell in the world that is classified as a gem, and can be insured as one. At one time they were actually worth more per ounce than gold! This ancient art of using the shells to create adornments has been practiced by the Hawaiians since their arrival to the islands. At one time only the royalty, or Ali'i, were allowed to wear them. Today only a handful of people keep this tradition alive, making these already rare and sought after shells even more valuable. I am proud to keep such a historic art form from dying, and hope that you enjoy my work, Mahalo.