Have you ever found yourself staring at something beautiful — maybe a pair of Niʻihau shell earrings (ニイハウ シェル ジュエリー) or a shimmering set of loose shells (貝殻ピアス) — and thinking, “I really love this… but I’m not sure yet.”

You add it to your cart, maybe even a few times. You imagine how it would look, what you could make, or how it would feel to wear it — but something inside whispers, “Maybe later.”

You start wondering:
• Is it really authentic?
• Will it look the same in person?
• Are the shells really that small?
• How fragile are they — will I break them?
• Is it worth the price?
• Where would I wear them? I’m not in Hawaiʻi.
• Will they look right on me?
• What if I buy them and never wear them?
• What if I don’t know how to use the loose shells once I get them?
• What if I’m just not ready yet?

You’re not alone — I’ve done the same thing myself (especially on Amazon lol).
That small pause doesn’t mean you don’t love what you see. It means you care — about value, meaning, and choosing something that truly feels right for you.

This guide isn’t here to convince you. It’s here to help you understand that hesitation — to gently answer the questions that often come up before you decide whether Niʻihau shell jewelry or loose shells are right for you.

Every shell you see here ⬇️ is chosen, cleaned, and strung by my own hands — with patience, love, and aloha. It's a labor of love ❤️

Because sometimes, what we really need isn’t a reason to buy — it’s reassurance, connection, and a little confidence to trust what already feels right in our heart. ✨

✨ Is it really authentic?

Yes — everything you see here is genuine Hawaiian jewelry (ハワイアンジュエリー) handcrafted by me. Most of my pieces are made with authentic Niʻihau shells collected with aloha from Niʻihau and Kauaʻi, and at times I also use granulated cowrie shells from Oʻahu for accent or texture.

Every shell I use is authentic — carefully cleaned, sorted, and strung by hand with patience and aloha. When you order from ShellsHawaii, you’ll always receive the exact piece shown in the photos. I rarely create multiples of the same design — each piece is one-of-a-kind.

If I make a similar design, such as a Pikake style using Momi shells, I always take new photos because I use a completely new set of shells. No two sets are ever identical — each has its own natural tones and personality.

The same goes for my loose shell supplies. The photos you see are taken by me in natural light so you can see their true color and luster.

Pieces priced $500 and above automatically include a Certificate of Authenticity. If your item is below that amount and you’d like to add a certificate, you can purchase one ➡️ here.

Authenticity isn’t just about location — it’s about honesty, care, and respect for detail. My goal is for you to always know exactly what you’re receiving and to feel proud of it for years to come.

♦️ Are the shells really that small?

Yes — they truly are. And that’s what makes them so special.
Each Niʻihau shell, like Kahelelani or Momi, is naturally tiny — usually between 2 to 5 millimeters in size. Every necklace, earring, or bracelet you see is made up of hundreds of individual shells, each hand-sorted, cleaned, poked, and strung one by one.

For loose shell buyers, that size can be surprising at first — they’re much smaller than they appear in close-up photos. But once you hold them, you’ll see why artists treasure them. Their smallness gives Niʻihau shell jewelry its fine detail, soft movement, and glow.

Each shell is handpicked one by one from the sand — taking days and days to collect enough in matching color, size, and A-grade quality to complete a single finished piece.

That’s why every lei, every earring, and every design is a true labor of love. ✨

How fragile are they — will I break them?

It’s true — Niʻihau shells are delicate, but they’re also stronger than they look.
When handled with care, they can last for generations. I’ve seen shell leis and earrings made decades ago that are still just as beautiful — their shine softened, but their strength unchanged.

Each shell has already survived the ocean, tumbling through sand and waves for years. That natural polishing process makes them durable.

If you’re working with loose shells, take your time while poking and stringing. Sometimes one may break — that’s completely normal. Patience is the key.

So yes, they’re small — but they’re also survivors of the sea. They carry both delicacy and strength in every tiny curve. ⚓

❤️ Will it look the same in person?

That’s a very good question — and one I take seriously.

Every piece is photographed by me in natural light to show the true color of the shells. Sometimes, I may adjust the photo slightly — not to make it look better, but to help it match the color as closely as possible to what I see in person.

Each monitor shows color differently, and I can’t control how it appears on your screen. But I do my best to make sure what you see is as close as possible to the real shell.

When you open your box, I want you to think, “Yes, this looks just like I hoped.” That’s always my goal.

⚓ Where can I wear them? I’m not in Hawaiʻi.

You don’t have to be in Hawaiʻi to wear Niʻihau shell jewelry (ニイハウ シェル ジュエリー). You just have to carry a little aloha in your heart. ❤️

These shells were born from the ocean, but they belong anywhere love, beauty, and calm are welcome — at home, in the city, or wherever you find peace.

Start with a small pair of earrings or a single-strand necklace. You’ll be amazed how often someone notices — not because they’re bold, but because they feel special, gentle, and full of meaning.

Even if you never wear them often, they’ll always hold a story — a connection to the islands, to patience, and to the artistry of Hawaiʻi.

Will they look right on me?

Yes, absolutely.

Niʻihau shell jewelry isn’t about trends — it’s about connection. The soft glow of Momi shells, the rich pinks of Kahelelani, and the deep luster of Lenalena complement every skin tone beautifully.

These shells are meant to enhance your natural beauty, not change it. They adapt to you — your colors, your light, your movement.

They were never made to make you someone else; they were made to reflect who you already are.

What if I buy them and never wear them?

That’s okay — truly.

You don’t have to wear them every day for them to be meaningful. Many people treasure Niʻihau shells simply for what they represent — the calm of the ocean, the beauty of Hawaiʻi, or a memory that makes them smile.

I have customers who buy just because the piece “spoke” to them. I always tell them: Don’t buy it for me — buy it for you. ❤️

Start small if you like — a pair of earrings or a simple bracelet. If you just want to look at them and smile, that’s perfectly fine too.

Niʻihau shells are more than jewelry — they’re little pieces of peace, meant to be loved in your own way.

What if I’m just not ready yet?

That’s perfectly okay.

If you’re not ready to buy, it doesn’t mean you don’t love what you see — it means you’re choosing thoughtfully.

Take your time. Explore, learn, and ask questions. My Buyer’s Guide and Beginner’s Series will always be here for you.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first pair of earrings or your next creative project, I’ll be here when you’re ready — with patience, gratitude, and aloha.

The right piece will wait for you — just like the ocean tide, returning at the perfect time. ⚓✨

Shipping and Handling Time

Every order from ShellsHawaii (ハワイ製ハンドメイド) is prepared with care and packed with aloha before it leaves my hands.

Handling Time: 2–3 business days after purchase.

➡️ Domestic Shipping:

• USPS Priority Mail: $10.95

• Free shipping on orders $200+

• Includes insurance up to $100

If you’d like more insurance, please contact me for pricing before shipping. Orders over $500 will require a signature for your protection.

➡️ International Shipping (Japan and other countries):

• USPS International Priority Flat Rate: $50

• USPS Express: $80
  Shipping to Japan usually takes 10–14 business days, depending on customs. Please check your country’s import rules before ordering.

Each package is wrapped with aloha and care to ensure it arrives safely and beautifully — ready to bring a touch of Hawaiʻi’s warmth to you. 

When You’re Ready

If something keeps calling you back — a color, a design, or just a quiet feeling — trust that there’s a reason. Sometimes it’s not about buying right away; it’s about finding the right piece when your heart says yes.

Whether you’re drawn to the artistry, the connection, or the story, I’ll be here when you’re ready — with patience, gratitude, and aloha.

I may be one of many who have lived in Hawaiʻi for half of my life, and even though life changes and we sometimes move away, the love, memories, and appreciation never fade. I hope that love shows in every piece I create and every photo I share.

➡️ To learn more, visit my blogs about Momi Shells, Laiki Shells, and Kahelelani Shells.

Most of my designs are one-of-a-kind. I may not have the same shells again — and that’s what keeps each piece special for its future owner.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m always happy to help before you buy, so your experience feels confident, joyful, and full of aloha.

You can also read what my customers have shared — their stories mean the world to me and might help you feel more confident before making your choice.

Thank you so much for being here and for letting me share a little part of Hawaiʻi with you.

With aloha always,
Janjira