Beginner’s guide Niihau shell jewelry

If you’ve ever dreamed of making Niʻihau shell jewelry (ニイハウ シェル ジュエリー) but don’t know where to begin, this gentle beginner’s series will help you start with confidence and aloha. Here, I share what I’ve learned over the years — from understanding these tiny ocean treasures to choosing the right tools, threads, and designs.

Each post comes from my own journey as a self-taught artist, written with honesty, patience, and heart. You’ll not only learn how to create authentic Hawaiian shell jewelry, but also why every small detail matters — the rhythm, the care, and the meaning behind each piece.

If you’d like to see how my story began, visit Blog 2: The History of Niʻihau Shell Jewelry — How It Began , and if you’re curious where I find my shells, you can start with Blog 8: Where Do You Get Your Niʻihau Shells?.

Whether you’re learning just for fun or hoping to create your first Niʻihau shell lei, I hope this series inspires you to slow down, enjoy the process, and fall in love with the art — one shell at a time.

To begin your learning journey, start with:

•   Blog 11 Part 1: Beginner’s Guide — Should I Try to Make Niʻihau Shell Jewelry? What I Need and What I Have to Know .