Aloha and welcome to ShellsHawaii blog everyone,

When you own a piece of Niʻihau shell jewelry, or are thinking about purchasing one, one of the questions you may have is how to properly care for it and what things to avoid to help it last longer.

Although Niʻihau shells come from the ocean, finished Niʻihau shell jewelry still benefits from a little care. The good news is that most of these things are simple and easy to avoid once you know what to look for.

Today I would like to share a few things I personally try to avoid and some simple habits that may help your jewelry stay beautiful and last longer.

Perfumes, Lotions, and Beauty Products

One of the easiest habits to develop is applying perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, sunscreens, and other beauty products before putting on your jewelry.

Over time, these products can leave residue on the shell surfaces and may affect their natural appearance. I personally prefer to apply lotions, perfumes, or hair products first, allow them to dry, and then put on my jewelry afterward.

This simple habit can help keep your shells looking cleaner and more vibrant over time.

Water, Pools, and Showers

This is one of the most common questions people ask.

Although Niʻihau shells naturally come from the ocean, finished jewelry is very different from shells resting on the beach. Once the shells have been transformed into a finished piece, the thread, knots, clasps, and overall construction become important parts of the jewelry.

For that reason, I generally recommend removing Niʻihau shell jewelry before showering, swimming, soaking in hot tubs, or spending extended periods in chlorinated water.

Years ago, I accidentally wore a pair of my Niʻihau shell earrings into a swimming pool and noticed that the shells lost some of their natural luster afterward. Since then, I have always removed my Niʻihau shell jewelry before swimming in chlorinated water.

Some Activities You May Not Think to Avoid

Niʻihau shell jewelry is created using tiny seashells and is often considered a form of wearable art. While it is strong enough to be worn and enjoyed, it still benefits from a little extra care and consideration.

One thing many people may not think about is pressure from seatbelts, heavy purses, crossbody bags, or accidentally catching jewelry on clothing or other objects. These everyday situations can sometimes place unnecessary stress on the shells or thread.

Many people also enjoy wearing their Niʻihau shell jewelry alongside metal chains, bracelets, watches, or other accessories. There is certainly nothing wrong with that. However, because the shells are small natural shells, constant rubbing against metal or harder materials may eventually damage a shell over time.

I also recommend removing your jewelry before sleeping, exercising, gardening, sports, or activities where the jewelry may be pulled, twisted, or placed under heavy strain.

As mentioned earlier, a little awareness and prevention can often help preserve the beauty and structure of the jewelry much longer.

Proper Storage

How you store your jewelry can also make a difference.

I recommend storing Niʻihau shell jewelry in a clean, dry location away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and high humidity. Long leis should be stored carefully to avoid unnecessary strain on the thread.

A jewelry box or storage container can also help protect the jewelry from tangling, rubbing, or accidental damage from heavier pieces stored nearby.

Closing Thoughts

One thing I would like to mention is that Niʻihau shell jewelry is meant to be worn and enjoyed. The purpose of this blog is not to make you worry about your jewelry, but simply to share a few simple habits that may help preserve its beauty over time.

Most people will never experience many of the situations discussed above. However, being mindful during certain activities, storing the jewelry properly, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to chemicals or heavy strain can make a noticeable difference over the years. In my experience, a little extra care often goes a long way.

I hope this information was helpful and answered some of the questions you may have about caring for your Niʻihau shell jewelry.

Much aloha,
Janjira