Ni’ihau Shell Choker Necklace with Rare Colors

Strung in the Kipona style, this necklace features a variety of shells and stringing techniques.

The shells are a mix of Momi (dove shells) with Lenalena (yellow/off-white), Uli Uli (blue/deep gray), Kahakaha (deep gold with darker stripes), and Onikiniki (white with black/dark brown stripes) colorations, as well as Kahelelani (turban shells) in the colors of Akalaikaika (rich pink/magenta) and Ele Ele (black/dark brown).
The choker can be easily secured around the neck with a hook-and-eye closure, which has been skillfully concealed behind a pair of Pōleholeho (decorative shells used to tie-off the ends of each strand) of the smooth ‘money cowrie‘ variety.

This necklace measures approximately 20 inches in length (from end to end when laid flat with the clasp open), creating a 10 inch ‘drop length’ when worn.