Kahelelani Shell Bracelet: 7.5' inch, Laiki Shell, Granulate Cowrie Shells, 14kt Gold Filled, Kauai Shell Jewelry

This style of weaving is a personal favorite. The white shells used here are the laiki shells. They are extremely hard to find in good condition in any quantity on Kauai. They are well recognized by collectors for their delicate shape and luster.Many Lei makers clip the tops off the laiki shells and string them flat. I only use the very best quality laiki shells, I do not clip them, I hand drill a hole in the lip of the shell. This keeps the entire beautiful shell intact and does not create a abrasive edge. The Kahelelani shells used here are of excellent quality, with puka shells and granulate cowrie shells

Length: 7.5' inches.

It is strung on 50lb' test braided nylon line.

The granulate cowrie shell and 14kt gold filled lobster claw clasp is very secure.

Bracelet will arrive in a gift box, Mahalo.

About the Shells:
The Kahelelani Shells are only found in a small region of the Pacific. Most of them wash up on Niihau, the Forbidden Island, but 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.