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. 

There are several colors of Kahelelani shells and variations. Beige (common), pink, hot pink, red, burgundy, striped, green, gray, gold, white(ice cream)and yellow Kamoa.

Collecting the Kahelelani shells is done by hand usually with tweezers since they are so hard see. Depending on which beach the shells are collected on they must be ‘de-rocked’ before using them. Small pieces of sand and rocks lodge themselves into the mouth of the shells, these must be taken out carefully with a sewing needle. This is a very tedious process with many shells that must be discarded. Some of the Kahelelani shells may have defected, fractures, small holes or just old. Jewelry made with shells with holes and imperfections does not last as long. 

There are 17 different sizes of Kahelelani shells. Sizing the shells is done with a diamond sieve. Once the shells are sized they are ready to be drilled. Where the hole is placed determines how the shells will fit together. 

Momi Kahelelani shells. There are several colors of momi shells on Kauai, white, tiger stripped, gray, pink and butter scotch. They are not easy to work with. Like all the shells they must be ‘de-rocked'. Then the tops of the shells are taken off and a small hole is drilled into the side of the shell. Like Kahelelani shells were the hole is placed determines how the shells will fit together making jewelry. Momi shells are very time consuming to work with and are almost always done by being tied together.

Kauai Laiki shells (rice shells).

Laiki Kahelelani shells are another type of shell that can be worked with. There are many variations and hard to find in great quantity.

 Caring for your shell Jewelry 

Normally Kahelelani shell jewelry is only worn on special occasions hear on the Hawaiian islands. Although there are many people who do not want to take them off. It is good to be aware of how to make your jewelry last as long as possible. 

Shells are made of calcium carbonate, chloride and other substances in tap water and pool water are abrasive to the shells and will deteriorate, weaken and bleach the shells out over time. Shell jewelry should not be worn in pools or worn in the shower. Although it is okay to wear them in the ocean, lakes and streams. 

If you live in a dry environment or do not intend to wear your jewelry very often it is a good idea to brush the shells with mineral oil. Mineral will keep the shells from drying out and losing there luster. 

 Unfortunately ever year there are  less shells washing up. Due to over tourism, pollution and our water level rising. Sunscreen, tanning lotion, perfumes and bug spray are worst thing for our reefs. It is good to clean yourself  before getting into the ocean. Please respect our oceans our greatest natural living resource, mahalo. 

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