Kahelelani Shell Necklace Kahelelani Shell Jewelry Shell Necklace Kauai Shells Hawaii Jewelry Mermaids Jewelry Kauai Ni'ihau Shells Lei

This is a one of a kind lei combining many of the Momi shells, Kahelelani shells, puka shells and granulate cowrie shells, hand picked from the northern beaches of the garden island of Kauai. The Momi shells are extremely hard to find. This necklace is strung in the traditional Heleconia weave, one of the most difficult and time consuming methods. The "Niihau" shells (Kahelelani and Momi shells), are the only shells in the world that are actually insurable as gems and can be worth more per ounce than gold!

Length: 16.5' inches

This lei is strung with 40lb' braided nylon line, so it is very strong and durable and can be worn in water.

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

I will ship the necklace priority mail in a gift box.

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.