Posted 3 years ago
AnythingOb…
(1778 items)
Awhile back I showed another 'shell necklace' which was identified as a "shell lei" -- I don't really know if this one qualifies for the same term or not, though I suppose it might?? ;-)
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/290313-costume-jewelry-3-shells
The shells here are mostly a different kind than the other necklace (except for that one's 'flower' bits, which are the same kind as here) and are all the same, each nearly 3/4" long. Each has a natural variegation in coloring, nearly white at their largest (open) edges with a very thin yellow ring surrounding a darker off-white spot on their 'bodies'. They are in pairs on a doubled monofilament line without any clasp, one line holds each shell in the pairs, knotted between them. I cannot see what exactly is *inside* every shell that allows them to be strung, but it is not (can not) be their natural widest opening which extends fully to the ends of every one, I think the edges of that opening actually curl inside each shell a little where they must have been perforated. It measures 17"-ish doubled up.
A cowrie shell necklace.
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/177605620/5-to-100-pieces-clearance-sale-ring-tops?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=cowrie+shells&ref=sr_gallery-1-6&from_market_listing_grid_organic=1&pro=1