Curated for Quality

Ni'ihau shell lei are one of Hawaii's most authentic and sought after treasures. Collected from the beaches of the forbidden island and painstakingly cleaned and sewn together is a legacy unique to it's culture. These are the only shell in the world insurable as a gemstone but more importantly, a signature of the beauty and labor of each unique Hawaiian Leimaker. Every Ni'ihau shell creation we offer is made with care and selected for quality and originality. We provide certificates of authenticity with every Ni'ihau creation and in some cases an appraisal free of charge. Inquire to have photos sent to you of most current inventory since we often have incredible lei that are not yet posted online.  Every piece you purchase from our Ni'ihau collection comes with the stringer's name and a detailed description of the shells on your lei and their Hawaiian names of color and shell.

Photo ofPoe Poe and Niihau Creations

Poe Poe and Niihau Creations

This is a sample of the lei varieties that we create and curate as heirlooms. Our main goal is to pair the right piece with it's soul mate. There is a palpable individuality to all shell creations from Ni'ihau. For each, is a person who will love and treasure it. Find your treasure or have one made for you.

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Museum Quality Designer South Sea Pearl and Poe Poe Lei

Poe Poe SSG Pearl Lei strung expertly by a master designer. Shells featured are Akala Pua Kahelelani sewn Poe Poe with sections of A Grade South Sea Golden Pearl. Finish is a Freshwater 14K Gold Pearl safety clasp. Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. Item #195

  • Length 18.5 inches
  • Value $6,800 [ Sold ]

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Museum Quality Designer Tahitian Poe Poe Bracelet

Ni'ihau Designer Tahitian Pearl Bracelet sewn with high quality Akala Pua Kahelelani and A Grade Tahitian Pearls. This bracelet features gorgeous shells with a modern design and is finished with a 14K Gold safety clasp. Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. Item #196

  • Length 8 inches
  • Value $1,200 [ made to order ]

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5 Strand Museum Quality Ni'ihau Mauna Loa Lei

Incredible 5 strand Mauna Loa Lei featuring Kahelelani Akala Pua, ke oke o, ula ula, makue, akala pua waipapipi, omao omao, akala ahiehie, with accents of kamoa lenalena. Stunning craftsmanship by an expert leimaker. Finished with 14K Gold and GEM quality cypraea granulata. Item #198

  • Length 20 inches
  • Price $4,000 [ For Sale ]

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Photo of3-Strand Multicolor Poe Poe

3-Strand Multicolor Poe Poe

This is a museum quality piece made from several seasons of picking shells. The colors here are Akala Pua Waipapipi (hot pink), O'mao O'mao (green), and Ele Ele (dark brown). Finished with a 14K hook and eye clasp and granulated cowry, this is a spectacularly traditional lei.

  • Length 21 inches
  • Value $14,500 [ Sold ]

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Photo ofPink and Burgundy Heleconia Set

Pink and Burgundy Heleconia Set

This perfect Heleconia Lei has a fine detailed blend of Akala Pua Pink and Ula Ula Burgundy shells. The Bracelet is an optional extension to the lei or can be worn around the wrist for a flat and delicate compliment to the necklace. Sizes can be adjusted and pieces can be sold separately.

  • Length 18 inches
  • Price $1,200 [ For Sale ]

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Photo ofDesigner Pearl Kipona Niihau Lei

Designer Pearl Kipona Niihau Lei

Over 80% by count Niihau shells, this piece is a high fashion statement. With large 7-10mm A grade Tahitian pearls this represents a certifiable Niihau shell lei with the fashionable compliment of pearls. Strung with Niihau Momi and Kahelelani, the colors are Ula Ula (Burgundy) and Akala Pua (Flower Pink) that compliment either side of the pearls for contrast and originality. this style is inspired by the treasures of the ocean and how well they work together. Finished in 14K with 14K spacers.

  • Length 26 inches
  • Value $4,500 [ Sold ]

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Photo ofNiihau Poe Poe Kipona Set in Pink

Niihau Poe Poe Kipona Set in Pink

This set is a matching combination of white Ke'Oke'O Momi shells and Pink Akala Pua Kahelelani. The stringing and quality of finish are incredible. The lei can be connected with the bracelet to make a longer necklace while the earrings make a perfect compliment for any style. Solid 14K finish with magnetic attachment for a safe and easy to operate clasp. Any items in this set can be sold separately.

  • Length 18 inches
  • Price $1,400 [ For Sale ]

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Photo ofNiihau 2-Strand Multi-Colored Kipona Lei

Niihau 2-Strand Multi-Colored Kipona Lei

This piece features nearly every color of Kahelelani and Momi. Strung Momi Pikake style with breaks of maunaloa strands, this wears long and elegantly. Finish is a granulated cowry in traditional Ni'ihau fashion.

  • Length 30 inches
  • Price $2,400 [ For Sale ]

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Photo ofBurgundy and Pink Niihau Poe Poe with Momi Accents

Burgundy and Pink Niihau Poe Poe with Momi Accents

These pieces were designed to have a gentle contrast between Kahelelani and Momi and were made together but sold separately. Wait time on a lei of this style is between 3 and 6 weeks generally. We chose to finish these with 14K stunning Cypraea Helvolla Cowry hook and eye. Our options for clasps are boundless and our collection of gem quality cowry are fabulous. Sold separately, these are made to order by a skilled leimaker. Inquire to see our sunrise or cowry collection and have one of these beauties made just for you.

  • Length 19 inches
  • Value $1,700 [ Sold ]

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Poepoe Pearl Set

Using a combination of beautiful Ni'ihau shells and Grade A Tahitian pearls, this longer lei is definitely a showstopper. The finish is a large filigree pearl clasp and the balance of colors graduating from pink to burgundy to dark brown provide a great aesthetic while complimenting the marriage of shell and pearl.

  • Length 30.5 inches
  • Price $4,500 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Heleconia Sunrise Bracelet

This bracelet is my favorite accessory to wear and a best seller for budding enthusiasts. It is certifiable with 85% Niihau Shells and features a sunrise shell Centerpiece and sterling silver adjustable length clasp. Inquire to choose your very own sunrise shell for this design.

  • Length 6 inches
  • Price $350 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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50-Inch Heleconia Lei

This completely unique strand is incredibly long and features 3 different styles of sewing Kahelelani and Momi. Pikake stitch graduates to long double Mauna Loa strands of high luster. The center is heliconia stitch. Utterly fantastic workmanship and quality of shells.

  • Length 50 inches
  • Price $2,850 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Provided with Purchase

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Lariat Lei

The 1920's explosion in large pearl lariats was based on shell lei worn by Queens of Hawaii while visiting and hosting diplomats. They soon became popular among high society southern ladies and became a staple of pearl and jewelry styles. This piece can be worn several ways. You can dress long in the flapper fashion, short as a choker, or as a waistband beach accessory. Available by order only. This design was inspired by Victoria Feinberg.

  • Length 28 inches
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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40-Inch Kipona Lei

This piece can be doubled and worn as a 2 strand, or worn long over the head with poe poe sections cascading through the center. The kahelelani poe poe blend has all the colors represented in a symmetrical match of width and length. A beautiful lei adorned with Gem quality Hawaiian Honey Cowry that also can be worn as a centerpiece.

  • Length 40 inches
  • Value $1,800 [ made to order ]
  • Artist Provided with Purchase

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Kipona Momi Set

This is a kipona mixed shell set features green O'mao O'mao kahelelani poe poe sections and 14K gold clasps. Both bracelet 7" and necklace 19" can be combined to create a longer 26" lei for versatile wear. Matching earrings are 14K gold wire. This stunning set can come in any color or style in varied lengths. Pink, Burgundy, Kamoa yellow in heliconia or crownflower stitch for the same cost. Inquire for photos of different sets.

  • Price $180 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Provided with Purchase

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Photo ofGray Uliuli Pikake Set

Gray Uliuli Pikake Set

Sold with earrings as a set or individually is a single strand pikake stitch lei comprised of medium grey Uli Uli shells. Colors and lengths can vary depending on what is in stock. These retail for between $350-$600 in shops. Our price is variable and pieces are made with high test line, and in most cases 14K gold clasp. Length and clasp can be adjustable. Inquire for wholesale pricing.

  • Length 18 inches
  • Value $675 [ Sold ]
  • Artist Provided with Purchase

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Heleconia Bracelet Set

Can be sold individually or with earrings. Bracelet is burgundy or Ula Ula Kahelelani sewn with momi shells in the heliconia fashion. 14K strong magnetic clasp for easy removal and safe wear. Earrings additional $85.

  • Length 7 inches
  • Price $250 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Provided with Purchase

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Photo ofNi'ihau Earrings

Ni'ihau Earrings

Sold individually, these earrings come in a number of shapes, styles, colors and sizes. Shown below are examples of different styles and colors. Left in photo is poe poe kipona, center is crownflower and right is heliconia stitch. Hypoallergenic 14K gold ear wire. We have many types of earrings, also silver hooks available at reduced cost. Inquire for bulk or re-sale pricing.

  • Length 2 inches
  • Value $175 [ made to order ]
  • Artist Provided with Purchase

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Sunrise Earrings

These earrings represent a beautiful PoePoe weave and can be ordered with any color of Ni'ihau Kahelelani. Both 14K yellow gold hooks and sterling silver are available. Since each sunrise shell pair has a red side and a yellow, we do our best to match a gorgeous color palette together regardless of the color you choose...

  • Length 2.5 inches
  • Price $350 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Photo ofCertified Ni'ihau Gem Shells and Lei

Certified Ni'ihau Gem Shells and Lei

High Quality pure Niihau Shell Lei. As our inventory is changing frequently, please contact us for current inventory not yet posted and custom orders. We enjoy working with both novice enthusiasts and seasoned collectors. Once we receive an email from you, we will respond in a detailed and timely manner.

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Photo ofMulticolor Heleconia Lei

Multicolor Heleconia Lei

This pretty Heleconia Lei has a fine detailed blend of Akala Pua Pink and Ula Ula Burgundy shells with O'mao O'mao Green and Ele Ele Brown. The bracelet is an optional extension to the lei. Just the lei is $800 but earrings and bracelet be sold in addition as a full set for $1200.

  • Length 18 inches
  • Value $1,800 [ made to order ]

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Photo ofNiihau Burgundy Kipona Poe Poe set

Niihau Burgundy Kipona Poe Poe set

This set is a feature of Ula Ula Burgundy shell accents in a strong base of Pikake strung Momi shells. Because there are fewer Kahelelani on this piece, the pricing is very affordable at $700 for the necklace, $200 for the bracelet and $75 for the earrings. 14K magnet closure is strong and connects to the bracelet for an extended necklace. Earrings are 14K french hooks.

  • Length 18 inches
  • Value $1,700 [ made to order ]

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Photo ofNiihau Burgundy Crownflower Set

Niihau Burgundy Crownflower Set

This pretty set is sewn crownflower fashion and is a great piece for casual or formal wear. With 14K strong magnet clasp it attaches to bracelet to wear long, or can be worn as 3 pieces. Earwires are 14K French Hooks.

  • Length 20 inches

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Photo ofTraditional Niihau 10 Strand Laiki Wedding Lei

Traditional Niihau 10 Strand Laiki Wedding Lei

Traditionally worn at weddings but stunning for any occasion is this 10 strand Laiki or Rice shell lei measuring in at 36". This classic look first made it's splash when Queen Emmalani wore her Laiki shell lei abroad to meet diplomats in Europe. It has remained popular and is a cornerstone of almost every Niihau collection. Clasp is fixed currently with a granulated cowry but can be doubled and worn as a shorter 20 strand look. This particular piece is from an estate collection and was well cared for.

  • Length 36 inches
  • Value $1,800 [ Sold ]

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Photo ofNiihau 4 Tie Crownflower Lei

Niihau 4 Tie Crownflower Lei

This piece is 24" and is one of the most treasured favorites in our collection. A jaw dropping array of all colors of Momi and Kahelelani are visible but the ultimate prize is incredible construction and consistency of stringing. The leimaker is well into her 50's and has been working with shells since the age of 7.

  • Length 24 inches
  • Price $3,600 [ For Sale ]

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100% Niihau Shell 34" 3 Strand Deep Color Collectors Lei

This is a beautiful piece by a legendary stringer. It is in excellent condition and very striking to wear and to look at. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity, Bill of sale with detailed information on your lei. In addition is a description and history of the craft with leimakers name and an artist statement. This lei is a very high luster 3-strand long 34" incredible quality piece made with Kahelelani Akala Pua (flower pink), Makue (burgundy), Ula Ula (red, burgundy), O'mao O'mao (green), LenaLena Kamoa, Ele Ele (dark brown, black) and Momi Ke'Oke'O (white, off white), Onikiniki (black striped), LenaLena (yellow), KahaKaha (deep gold stripe) and UliUli (deep grey). This piece is finished with a traditional gem grade single cowry clasp. Very nice and striking colors in this lei.

  • Length 34 inches
  • Price $8,400 [ For Sale ]

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Each piece of Ni'ihau jewelry we carry is in compliance with all laws protecting Ni'ihau shells in Hawaii. Some antique pieces we carry have been refinished for quality purposes. Any pieces shown here for sale may be slightly different and can be customized to your specifications. We happily supply curated items to galleries with educational materials.