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This authentic Niʻihau shell lei (ニイハウ シェル ジュエリー) is created with a beautiful combination of Crown Flower–style clusters in the Momi shell sections and Poepoe tying in the Kahelelani shell sections. This blending of techniques forms what many artisans call the Kipona style.
The term Kipona refers to a lei that uses more than one type of shell in a single piece, bringing together different textures and natural colors to create a rich, multidimensional design. The double-double variation adds extra fullness, giving the lei a soft, flowing structure with traditional Hawaiian elegance. I will be sharing more about the Kipona style—what makes it special and how it’s created—in an upcoming ShellsHawaii blog.
If you’d like to learn more about the shells in this lei—how Momi and Kahelelani colors form, and why these shells are treasured in Hawaiian craftsmanship—you can explore more here:
- Learn About Momi Shells
- Learn About Kahelelani Shells
Details
• Length: 17.5" (before clasp)
• Thickness: about 1/4"
• Style: Double-Double Kipona
• Shells: Genuine Niʻihau Momi & Kahelelani shells
• Kahelelani Size: size 12
• Colors:
• off white (Momi Keʻokeʻo / Keʻokeʻo Kuaʻula)
• pink (Kahelelani ʻĀkala)
• green (Kahelelani ʻŌmaʻomaʻo)
• brown (Momi Mākuʻe or Kahelelani Mākuʻe)
• yellow (Kahelelani Kamoa)
• red-burgundy (Kahelelani ʻUlaʻula)
• Design Notes: Crown Flower clusters with Poepoe tying technique in the Kahelelani sections
Clasp Options (Length + Price)
This lei will be finished with a 14k solid gold safety clasp. I will also add example photos from other lei so you can see how this clasp looks when completed. If you prefer the traditional granulated cowrie shell clasp, that option is also available upon request.
If you would like to choose a different clasp, please contact me here
• 14k solid gold safety clasp
• Finished length: 18"
• Price: $3150
• Traditional granulated cowrie shell clasp
• Finished length: 19.5"
• Price: $3100
• Finished with stainless steel hook
Authenticity & Disclaimer
Jewelry made with 100% authentic Niʻihau shells. Designed and created with aloha.
Please note: Color may appear slightly different depending on your screen resolution.
Testimonial
Here is one of the customer testimonials from someone who recently purchased a similar lei and earrings:
✨ Nome from Cheshire, OR
A wonderful message from Nome that truly made my day!
“I am so happy with the pieces you sent me. Your work is just so full of palpable aloha, I can’t say enough good things. The earrings are hanging in my mini museum, and I am wearing the necklace—it’s more wonderful than I imagined.”
“She even mentioned her little museum, which is so fun and means a lot to me. I am very honored.”
“This necklace is so pleasing, even better than I thought it would be! The shells are so tiny, and the design is so wearable. It is lightweight, and something I can wear every day to express my love for Kahelelani leis.”
If you would like to read more testimonials, please click here.
