Shell necklace is a popular form of jewelry worn for centuries by both men and women. It has been used by different cultures all over the world to represent their culture, heritage and history. The most common type of shell necklace is made with a string of small white shells which are usually uniformly sized and hung in a choker length chain. These have become a staple accessory for millennials, travellers and Gen Zers as well as any VSCO girl worth her weight.
Across the islands and atolls of Indonesia live a variety of tribal communities each with their own distinctive decorative neck ornamentation which has been passed down through generations. Each tribe has its own meaning and significance behind their creation.
The Puka shell craze officially started in the 1960s and was a huge hit due to their natural beauty, beach-worn appearance, and cultural meaning. Puka, meaning hole in Hawaiian, refers to the naturally centered holes in these beach-worn apexes of cone shells which allow them to be strung like beads. The original all-white puka shell strands became a symbol of the hippie movement in the 1970s and while fake versions of these necklaces are still sold at tourist shops in Hawaii, nothing compares to the true heirloom quality Puka shell leis that can be found on the island of Ni’ihau.
Cowrie shells (Euplicia varians) are a symbol of wealth and prosperity and were once even used as currency in Africa. They have also been referred to as the “womb shell” as they are believed to bring fertility and virility. These beautiful shells have been adorned with grass, ferns, croton leaves, yellow orchid vine and links of bamboo as a way to enhance their beauty. The Papua New Guineans call this style of necklace kina. They can be worn alone or layered with other necklaces and are a sign of femininity for both men and women. Shell necklace
