N I ' I H A U - S H E L L S

-Ni'ihau Shells-

Glowing like pearls, the garlands are made of the most precious and almost priceless shell in the world: Pupu O Ni'ihau. The gem-like shells can be as tiny as the head of a pin and can be found on the beaches of Hawaii's private island. They are valued like a one-of-a-kind diamond necklace.

The physical state of each shell is the biggest contribution to the price, with very tedious work put into the jewelry making and accumulation of the shells - a priceless process. To clean and pierce the shell requires meticulous attention as well, with each shell being small and delicate.