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This museum-quality Hawaiian shell lei is a rare and refined example of Niʻihau shell artistry (ニイハウシェル ジュエリー), handcrafted in the traditional triple-strand Kipona style. Each strand is skillfully twisted to create fullness and graceful flow, showing the patience, precision, and cultural depth that define authentic Hawaiian craftsmanship.
The Kahelelani shells are strung in the Manua Loa pattern, known for its strength and balance, while the Momi shells are poked in the Coconut style, resembling the soft texture of the male coconut flower and completed with the Pikake-style technique to achieve elegant symmetry.
This heirloom-quality lei embodies the highest level of refinement and aloha — perfect for collectors, hula performers, and anyone who treasures handmade Hawaiian jewelry (ハワイアンジュエリー).
To learn more about the meaning and origins of these shells, visit the ShellsHawaii blogs — including What Are Momi Shells ›, What Are Kahelelani Shells ›, and the Niʻihau Shell Jewelry Buyer’s Guide ›.
Details
Length: 50" (measured end to end, including clasp)
Style: Triple-strand Kipona (twisted) — Manua Loa pattern with Coconut-style Momi stringing and Pikake-style technique
Shells: High-grade Momi and rare Kahelelani shells from Niʻihau
Colors (Momi): Black-spotted (ʻŌnikiniki ʻEleʻele), brown-spotted (ʻŌnikiniki ʻĀhiehie), yellow (Lenalena), and white (Keʻokeʻo)
Colors (Kahelelani): Pink flower (ʻĀkala Pua), green (ʻŌmaʻomaʻo), red burgundy (ʻUlaʻula), and brown (Mākuʻe)
Clasp: Granulated cowrie shell
Origin: 100% Niʻihau
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. I do my best to photograph each set so the colors shown are as close as possible to what you’ll see in person.
If you have any questions or need help choosing, please feel free to contact me.
