20", 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 intertidal 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: 20"

Materials:

• Baby 'opihi shells (brown)
  
• Puka shells (white)
  
• White sunrise shell (pendant)
  
• Small silver plated barrel screw clasp
  

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

Barbara Kauai Hawaii USA