This listing is for one pair of herringbone patterned Kauai shell bar earrings. They are made with Kahelelani shells (a.k.a Ni'ihau shells) that are hand-picked off the shores of Kauai, Hawaii.
Standard bar measure approx. 1.5 - 1.75 inch in length total with buy ear wire and have approx. 17 shells per side. Long bar earring measures approx. 2 - 2.50 inches in length with ear wire and have approx. 28- 30 shells per side. All handmade in sterling silver or 14k gold fill of your choice. Please choose your finish & length upon check out. Please see additional listings for other Ni'ihau shell options. Please convo. me with any questions or special requests.
Each shell has been sorted by color, size, & quality, cleaned, then drilled for stringing. Most shells used in these earrings are pink or red-colored creating a beautiful pattern. The pattern brings out any skin tone and the herringbone design fits very comfortably.
These are very high-quality earrings and use very special shells in that they are the only shell in the world that is classified as a gem and can be insured as one. This is an ancient art of using the shells to create adornments that have been practiced by the Hawaiians since their arrival to the islands. At one time only royalty were allowed to wear them. Today, only a handful of people keep this tradition alive. Now, anyone is able to purchase and wear the beautiful shell jewelry we still call gems in Hawaii.
♥ The History of Kahelelani (Ni'ihau) Shell Leis:
Kahelelani. translated is "pathway to heaven". Although these shells are found on four of the Hawaiian Islands: Niihau, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai, it was the artisans from Niihau who first introduced these shells to the world.
The Kahelelani shell is the most sought after of the rare Niihau and Kauaian shells. It is the smallest and therefore the most difficult to collect and sew. The Kahelelani is also the most colorful shell used in Niihau and Kauaian shell leis. Kahelelani shell leis have a rich history dating back hundreds of years. Members of Captain Cook's expedition recorded in detail their observations of the lives and customs of the people and collected examples of their traditional culture, which included a string of tiny red Kahelelani shells.
Earrings may vary slightly in the picture as each set is made to order & based on the availability of shells on hand. **Please note: your earrings may not have the dark red shells in the middle as they are harder to come by. All earrings based on what I have on hand when order is placed.
♥ Please be aware that due to the unique and handmade nature of each piece, colors, shapes and shell sizes may vary slightly from the photos and descriptions.
♥ Please treat your jewelry gently, as some materials can be extremely fragile. Although every effort has been made to ensure the strongest materials were used, it is essential to treat your jewelry with special care.
♥Shell size: Approx. between 1-3mm each. Their adult size at largest is approx. 3mm. Please see the last picture for shell size as these are one of the smallest & therefore most difficult shells to sew in the Hawaiian Islands. If you do not know what Ni'ihau (Kahelelani) shells are, please look them up or don't hesitate to convo. Me for more pictures & questions so that you understand the size, importance, and value of these rare shells that are only found in 4 of the Hawaiian islands in the world.
****NOTE: The shell used is a natural shell handpicked from the beach and has not been altered, any imperfections in the shell are just part of its unique journey****
Please allow 1 week for delivery after payment is received. Shipping is USPS mail. RUSH orders can be done with additional cost, please convo me with the details & any questions you may have.
Thank you for stopping by :)
Product code: Buy Kahelelani (Ni'ihau) shell bar earrings in 14k gold fill or sterling silver