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 and can be found on all the Hawaiian islands. 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.