⭐They Say the Best Things Come in Small Packages — And Kahelelani Shells Are Living Proof⭐

These ocean gems, treasured in traditional Niʻihau shell jewelry (ニイハウ シェル ジュエリー), are so tiny they can slip right through your fingers if you’re not careful. The smallest ones are no bigger than a pencil tip, and even fully grown, they’re smaller than the head of a pin. Yet each one shines with vibrant color, carries deep meaning, and sparkles with life.✨

      

When I First Started Working with Kahelelani…

I couldn’t believe something so small could hold so much spirit. It takes patience, precision, and a very good light source just to sort them — but every shell is worth it. Each feels like a whisper from the ocean, waiting to become part of a lei, bracelet, or pair of earrings (ハワイアン シェル ジュエリー).

When I first held Kahelelani shells in my hand, I couldn’t believe how tiny they were — and the shells I was holding were adult size! I laughed in disbelief. My very first question was, “How do you even string them? Do they already have a hole in them?”

And maybe you’ve wondered the same thing, right? The answer is… no. Kahelelani shells don’t naturally come with a hole you can thread through. Each and every shell has to be carefully poked.

I can almost see the look on your face now — the mix of surprise and curiosity: “Where?! They’re so small already… where do you even poke the hole? And how do you do it without breaking them?”

I’ll be honest — I asked those exact same questions. And just like many of you, I tried doing some research. But you probably discovered what I did: there isn’t much information out there. I know this because I searched too, and came up almost empty.

In a future blog, I’ll be sharing more about the process — how I sort the shells, how I poke them, and the little “sweet spot” to look for. So stay tuned… there’s so much more to come.

Why It’s So Important to Understand Just How Small the Shells Are in Niʻihau Jewelry — Especially Kahelelani Shells

The tiny size of Kahelelani shells makes them both breathtaking and challenging to work with. I don’t use a magnifying glass — just my own eyes and an extra-bright LED light. (It’s so bright my husband jokes it looks like a lighthouse shining in our room!) That strong light lets me catch the smallest details as I clean, sort, and carefully poke each shell.

But here’s the challenge: if a shell is too thin or fragile, it can break in an instant. And if the hole isn’t poked just right, the shell won’t sit properly in the design. That’s why size and strength matter so much — not only for beauty, but for durability. There are days when I spend hours searching for shells that match closely enough in size to create just one pair of earrings.

So after years of working and creating this beautiful art, I cannot say it enough times — it is absolutely essential to use quality shells when creating your piece. The strength, luster, and structure of each shell make all the difference in whether the jewelry will not only look stunning but also last for generations.

And it’s never only about color. True artistry comes from creating balance, symmetry, and a natural flow in the jewelry. With a limited collection in size or color (貝殻 サイズ カラー), every decision counts. The real skill is in blending shells of slightly different sizes and shades so seamlessly that no one even notices. All the viewer sees is a piece that feels effortless, graceful, and complete.

Appreciating Beyond Size and Cost

When I look at these tiny Kahelelani shells, I’m reminded that appreciation should never be based only on size or cost. I try to live my life the same way — learning to value things for what they are, not for how big they seem or how much money someone puts on them.

Everything in life has its own meaning. What may feel small or unimportant to one person can mean the world to someone else. Size is just a measurement. A price tag is just a number. What truly matters is the value it holds in your heart, and how deeply you appreciate it.

➡️ Next, in Blog 9, Part 2, let’s step onto the beach together and see how the ocean reveals these tiny Kahelelani shells (カヘレラニ シェル) — small in size, but priceless in beauty.

With aloha,
Janjira
ShellsHawaii.com