17", hand crafted Hawaiian Lei sewn of high quality shells from shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau Hawaii, known as the Forbidden Island. The puka shells are a beach worn apex of the cone snail shell.  The 'opihi shell is a mollusk and often adhere to rocks in inter-tidal areas.  After hurricane Iniki in 1992, the 'opihi babies were washed ashore. The 'opihi shells are not commonly used in the Ni'ihau shell lei.

Length: 17"

Materials:

• Baby 'opihi shells (brown)
  
• Puka shells (white)
  
• Adult 'opihi shell (pendant)
  
• Small silver plated toggle clasp

More information at http://www.niihauheritage.org/ and www.kauaifinds.com

Barbara Kauai Hawaii USA