Shell Lei by Janelle Kienow

As a Kauai lei maker, a great deal of my visions are based on what I find most rare and inspiring. Traditional Ni'ihau Lei are a cherished part of my personal collection however all of my creations are inspired by an appreciation of both Hawaiian and Modern Leimakers.  While my finishes are primarily in gold, I use traditional cowry or puka and sundial clasps while creating unique pieces that stand out. The works of art below can be sometimes re-made, but with a custom touch.  Some pieces listed are still available for purchase.  Whether my pieces are made of Ni'ihau Shell or Kauai Shells, all are described accordingly and come with the proper paperwork.

Please contact me by email or phone if you wish to make a purchase.  Our work is available by request since we can best serve you after discussing your needs. If you'd like to commission a custom lei or shell jewelry item, waiting periods vary depending on the type of lei you want and the rarity of shells.  If a piece is listed for sale below, the waiting time for shipping is still 1-3 weeks.  We provide wholesale prices for museums and galleries or serious private collectors.  Please contact me to have the perfect heirloom custom designed or to purchase any of our one-of-a-kind pieces.  

Trivia Pearl Set

This particular design is made from the rarest of Kauai and Niihau shells. My pearl line is exclusively original and completely one of a kind. The bright white shells are tiny trivia from Ni'ihau, while the kahelelani are also from Ni'ihau. The perforated cones are from the North shore of Kauai and not often used by leimakers since they are incredibly difficult to pierce. The South Sea pearls are Tahitian and grade A. They have very few inclusions, are high luster and absolutely stunning in contrast with these shells. This is truly a collector's lei with a very strong and professional finish of gem quality cypraea helvolla or (honey cowry).

  • Length 21 inches
  • Price $7,800 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Momi Crown Flower Pearl Set

This beautiful lei is created with grade A Tahitian pearls studded with crownflower sections of Ni'ihau Momi. Paired with matching earrings is a very delicate look made to last and draw attention. Short enough to wear with a cocktail dress but long enough to be comfortable.

  • Length 20 inches
  • Value $3,800 [ Sold ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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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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5-Strand with Fossil Mammoth Beads

These 5 strands represent the beautiful and varied colors of Ni'ihau with the accents of rounded mammoth beads. This piece lays beautifully and is perfect for casual or formal wear. The finish is a gem quality cowry with 14k gold pearl clasp.

  • Length 27.5 inches
  • Price $1,800 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Ke'oke'o Poepoe Set

Strung with the peyote stitch but made in the rope style fashion, this piece is a great example of shells that are an unusual species of Kamoa shell. It's very thick with good flexibility and a few tiny deep red kahelelani to show off the beauty of these shells.

  • Length 20 inches
  • Value $4,300 [ Sold ]
  • Artist Provided with Purchase

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3-Strand Multicolor Sunrise Lei

Casual colors of Ula Ula (burgundy), Akala Wai Papipi (deep red) and Akala Pua (flower pink) represented with a nice sunrise and gold finish.

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

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5-Strand Laiki Lei

This piece shows 5 colors of Kahelelani in combination with a tiny Laiki (rice shell) contrast. Very hard to find the pure Ke'oke'o rice shell in quantity. Traditional Cowry clasp with 14K hidden closure. Custom order upon request.

  • Length 18 inches
  • Price $1,800 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Cone Sunrise Lei

This combination of perforated cones took 4 years to gather. It is a piece made of shells that primarily wash up on only 2 beaches during one month of the year. Though this piece is my own, I have enough shells every 4 years to make a similar replica. Wait time on a similar order to this piece varies.

  • Length 18 inches
  • Value $4,900 [ NFS ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Crown Flower Swirl Earrings

These are earrings made in 6 different colors with only 4 currently showing. I can make any style of earring to match pieces or create something entirely unique. They finish with a single Momi Crownflower section. In stock and for sale upon request. Wholesale pricing available.

  • Length 1 inches
  • Price $85 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Crown Flower 2-Strand Lei

Sewn with a traditional Gem Cowry clasp, this piece is mostly PoePoe style with 2 tie Crownflower sections to divide the colors. Available upon request.

  • Length 17.5 inches
  • Value $2,800 [ Sold ]
  • 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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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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Niihau Kauai Akala Lei

These shells took over 5 years to collect. The pure hot red Akala Pua Waipipi are the most rare of all Kahelelani on Kauai. I combined these shells with purple cones from Kauai but 85% of these shells are from Niihau. The clasp is a gem purple underside honey cowry with 14K safety catch. Only one exists. This piece is available by request only. Comes with a matching pair of earrings as a compliment. This piece has been appraised by Brenda Reichel of http://caratsandkarats.com/ at $11,000 and comes with paperwork for both value and insurance purposes.

  • Length 17.5 inches
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Red Hot Earrings

With Sterling Silver hooks, these deep red Kahelelani are a stark and flawless contrast to the Niihau Momi Crown Flower. Shells are 70% Kauai harvested. Available upon request.

  • Length 1.5 inches
  • Price $150 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Sterlilng Silver Sunrise Shell Necklace

These pieces are simply designed to showcase the perfection of my sunrise shells. These are collected at 120 feet in Hawaiian waters dead and covered in calcium. All of my sunrise shells are gem quality and vary in size and color.

  • Length 15 inches
  • Price $195 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Sundial Bracelets

This piece is the perfect island replacement for a watch. The common name for the centerpiece shell is the sundial. Called Kauno'o in Hawaiian, these shells wash up on beaches of both Niihau and Kauai.

  • Length 6 inches
  • Price $275 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Sunrise Earrings

  • Length 2.5 inches
  • Price $250 [ For Sale ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Swirl Sunrise Set

  • Length 18 inches
  • Value $3,600 [ Sold ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Wili Poepoe Set

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Mahalo for considering us to enhance your collection.  Our commission pieces can be traditional Niihau made by a member of the Niihauan family, or modern and completely custom made.  All requests are completed with the same love and care no matter what your vision is.  Our waiting time can range from a few weeks to several years depending on the kind of lei, or shells you are wanting. A deposit is required for each custom order.  Please contact us for details.

Photo ofSunrise Cone Lei

Sunrise Cone Lei

This piece took a total of 3 years to complete. These cones are very difficult to find. About 1 canister of kahelelanis containing over a thousand shells yields two of these cones. For this reason, this piece is not for sale but I do have enough to make another.

  • Length 18.5 inches
  • Value $4,500 [ NFS ]
  • Artist Janelle Kienow

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Photo ofSunrise Rope Twist

Sunrise Rope Twist

This piece is a very good example of color variation. I tried to include every color of kahelelani and even twisted in some whites near the center.

  • Length 18 inches
  • Value $2,300 [ Sold ]
  • Artist Provided with Purchase

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Photo ofStaggered Puka Sunrise Necklace

Staggered Puka Sunrise Necklace

This piece went to a dancer who liked its simplicity and contrast. The puka shells came from Kauai and the sunrise shell from Oahu.

  • Length 18 inches
  • Value $475 [ Sold ]

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Photo ofTimepiece Herringbone Necklace

Timepiece Herringbone Necklace

This client wanted something other than a sunrise shell as a centerpiece. I suggested the sundial shell and came up with the nickname "Time Piece." This has since been the inspiration for an entire line of jewelry.

  • Length 17.5 inches
  • Value $350 [ Commissioned ]

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Photo ofBurgundy Whale Tooth Poe Poe Weave

Burgundy Whale Tooth Poe Poe Weave

This lei was commissioned by an actor in preparation for a GQ photo shoot. I made the whale tooth removable so that he could take it off prior to leaving the state.

  • Length 19 inches
  • Value $4,000 [ Commissioned ]

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Photo ofPlumeria Stitch Lei

Plumeria Stitch Lei

In ten years, I have only seen two similar leis. The small pukas take awhile to collect and probably explain the rarity of a lei like this. I can make one with any centerpiece, but it will require two-years worth of tiny puka shells.

  • Length 18 inches
  • Value $1,675 [ Sold ]

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Photo of2-Strand Poe Poe Reverse Twist Lei

2-Strand Poe Poe Reverse Twist Lei

This was my second attempt at a poe poe or rope-style lei. The color blend was twisted backwards so the shells stood out more.

  • Length 18 inches
  • Value $1,800 [ Sold ]

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Photo of3-strand Niihau Momi Pikake Lei

3-strand Niihau Momi Pikake Lei

This lei was a repair for a client whose family owned several Niihau leis. They had several pieces falling apart so I upgraded from upholstery thread to a 40 lb white fishing line. Project took three days and cost $400 for the job.

  • Length 32 inches
  • Value $3,500 [ NFS ]

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Photo of4-Strand Multicolor Poe Poe Lei

4-Strand Multicolor Poe Poe Lei

This lei was commissioned by a client who purchased a similar lei from a Niihau stringer. The artist whom he purchased his first lei did not offer custom work. The fact that there are 4 strands twisted on this lei makes it a rarity. There are only 5 people I know of that can twist that many together.

  • Length 26 inches
  • Value $3,800 [ Commissioned ]

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Photo ofCowry Bracelet DNA Strand

Cowry Bracelet DNA Strand

This is a variation on the Niihauan style of stringing kahelelani. They alternate stitches to make a uniform rope. Instead of alternating, I kept a standard knot which made the shells resemble DNA.

  • Length 7.5 inches
  • Value $325 [ Sold ]

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Photo ofCrown Flower Stitch Lei

Crown Flower Stitch Lei

This lei is a mixture of Niihau Momi shells, and Kauai and Niihau kahelelani. It has a very consistent look and can be done in many colors. On Niihau it is generally strung with double the shells giving it a more substantial look.

  • Length 18 inches
  • Value $1,695 [ Sold ]

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Photo of5-Strand Multi-Color Popcorn Lei featuring Sperm Whale Tooth

5-Strand Multi-Color Popcorn Lei featuring Sperm Whale Tooth

This lei I wanted to represent all colors and add a tribal feel by including laiki shells from Niihau. The whale tooth was traded to me from a Hawaiian master carver who had polished it using hand tools. The trade of these teeth and other ivory articles is heavily regulated so inquire about legal means of acquiring them if you are interested.

  • Length 17.5 inches
  • Value $2,800 [ Sold ]

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Photo ofGreen Poepoe Bracelet

Green Poepoe Bracelet

This is a very uniform twist that I accented with a single burgundy shell. Clasp can be gold or silver. It takes me about 3 year to gather 1,000 green tinted shells on Kauai.

  • Length 7.5 inches
  • Price $600 [ For Sale ]

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Photo ofHeleconia Earrings

Heleconia Earrings

This is a popular pattern named after a well known tropical flower. Earrings are made of Niihau and Kauai shells. Usually I have earrings in stock. Can be made in any colors with either Niihau or Kauai shells.

  • Length 2 inches
  • Price $55 [ For Sale ]

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Photo ofMomi Bracelet

Momi Bracelet

This was a bracelet I made as a gift for a friend who didn't believe Kauai shells were as pretty as Niihau shells. It turned out pretty well.

  • Length 8 inches
  • Value $175 [ NFS ]

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Photo ofPopcorn Bracelets

Popcorn Bracelets

This is a very simple and pretty design. It's all about color instead of weave. Great as a no-risk gift just to see if the shells appeal to a person. Can be any color pattern you like with either Niihau or Kauai shells.

  • Length 6.5 inches
  • Price $45 [ For Sale ]

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Photo ofPopcorn Cowry Twist

Popcorn Cowry Twist

This is the first lei I ever made. I've made two of them by request. Some people prefer a different centerpiece than a sunrise, so I showed a client this photo and made the lei soon after.

  • Length 18.5 inches
  • Value $1,600 [ Commissioned ]

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Photo ofPurple Cone Bracelet

Purple Cone Bracelet

There are not a lot of people who use the perforated cones in their work. I like to use them to add a splash of color and originality.

  • Length 7.5 inches
  • Value $450 [ Sold ]

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Photo ofTimepiece Bracelet

Timepiece Bracelet

This piece is my little way of saying "Who needs a watch?"

  • Length 7.5 inches
  • Price $225 [ For Sale ]

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Photo ofSea Urchin Popcorn Lei

Sea Urchin Popcorn Lei

This client ordered a lei using as many colors as possible to accent 5 sea urchin spines that belonged to her mother. She hadn't worn her mother's necklace in years so we decided to make it more her own style. I have since made two more of these pieces when supplies are available. The spines are hard to find intact.

  • Length 16 inches
  • Value $1,500 [ Commissioned ]

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A few of my pieces are made with over 80% Niihau Shells and are labeled accordingly.  Regardless of source, the quality of a Kahelelani shell lei is in the design, construction and the finish.  I encourage each person to determine what looks best to them of all that we offer.