Aloha and welcome,

I’m truly happy you’re here. I’d love to take a quiet moment to share why I write about Niʻihau shells, why I choose to share my experiences, and what these shells genuinely mean to me.

I didn’t begin writing blogs to sell jewelry. I started writing because there was so much I wished I had understood when I first fell in love with Hawaiian shells — and so little of that knowledge was being openly shared. Over time, as I continued learning and creating Niʻihau shell jewelry, and working closely with Hawaiian shells, I found myself helping others simply by sharing what I was learning through my own hands-on experience.

When I first began, I was still learning myself, and I didn’t feel confident stepping into a teaching role. Even today, I continue to learn, practice, and refine my skills. With time, I realized that sharing parts of my journey — thoughtfully and with respect for the art and for myself — could be meaningful and helpful to others walking a similar path.

My Love for Hawaiian Shells

My connection to shells didn’t begin with jewelry. It began with admiration — the colors, the tiny details, the way each shell carries the mark of the ocean and time. Hawaiian shells are not just beautiful; they feel alive. They tell quiet stories.

Niʻihau shells especially taught me patience. Nothing about them is fast or easy. You don’t rush collecting them. You don’t rush sorting them. You don’t rush creating with them. And you definitely don’t rush learning.

Over time, working with these shells changed how I see craftsmanship, culture, and even myself.

Why I Share My Experiences

When I was learning, I struggled — a lot.
I made mistakes. I broke shells. I chose the wrong sizes. I didn’t understand colors, patterns, or why something didn’t look right even when I followed what little guidance I could find.

And honestly?
I felt lost more times than I can count.

I write these blogs because I don’t want others to feel alone in that process. I want beginners, collectors, and shell lovers to know that confusion, frustration, and trial-and-error are all part of the journey.

There is no shortcut — but there is understanding.

These Blogs Are Not Rules

One thing I always want to be clear about:
There is no single “right” way to work with Niʻihau shells.

Much of what I share comes from my own hands-on experience, years of trial and learning, and quiet observation. These blogs are not rules — they’re reflections. They’re guidance. They’re stories.

Shell jewelry is a creative art form. Your hands, your eye, your patience — they all matter.

More Than Jewelry

For me, Niʻihau shells represent connection — to Hawaiʻi, to tradition, to the ocean, and to the people who have worked with these shells long before me.

When I write, I’m sharing more than techniques or information. I’m sharing respect. Gratitude. And the joy I feel every time a tiny shell lines up just right.

From My Heart to Yours

Thank you for being here.
Thank you for being curious.
And thank you for appreciating Hawaiian shells not just as jewelry, but as something meaningful.

I’ll keep writing — because the shells keep teaching me, and I want to pass that feeling along.

If you’d like to explore more stories, lessons, and experiences with Niʻihau shells, you’re always welcome to visit my blogs here:
ShellsHawaii blogs ›

With aloha,
Janjira