Antique Pearly Pikake Wedding Lei
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Three silk strung strands of tiny pikake shells adorn this antique Hawaiian wedding lei. Colors of white and cream with just a hint of champagne gold glow with a sheen that catches the light. Perfect for a beach bride, or anyone who adores the ocean. Mermaid vibes prevail on this rare and beautiful necklace.
29”
No clasp, they join with a traditional cowrie shell and slip over the head.
True Vintage, sometime between 1920 to 1940
In excellent condition for the age, with some expected patina. Extremely high quality shells with a natural luster.
From my personal collection in a smoke free home. Will be sent with great care. Listing may disappear because I’m weak and I love this lei.
Bundles, questions and offers are always welcome!
Niihau shells are the only ones in the world that insurance will cover. They are as precious as diamonds.
For a wide selection of Tahitian and Hawaiian leis, ni’ihau momi, surfer and tribal puka and heishi and kahelelani please come see my shop. If you are hunting for something specific, ask me: I have many that are not yet listed and that I am _thinking_ about listing. I may have what you are looking for.
Thank you for stopping by my closet.
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17 Comments
l_badri
What type of shells are these?
May 20Reply
kyetaka
@l_badri hello! Pikake wedding leis are generally made with a form of mongo shells, sometimes (incorrectly) referred to as Niihau. This necklace features a blue cowrie closure point as well, and a natural high pearlescent sheen to the shells. Its a lovely quality.
May 20Reply
l_badri
@kyetaka thank you for letting me know. They definitely seem finer then the normal mongu shells you see now
May 20Reply
kyetaka
Oh yes, a world of difference. Although of course there are quality levels in these, as well- if you look through my closet you’ll see everything from the finest antique to some newer ones. I don’t know if the stocks for the super quality ones are even still out there- certainly the climate crises has decimated the populations of critters that produce these (and others, like the Tasmanian Maireener) shells.
May 20Reply
l_badri
@kyetaka oh how true. How sad that the human race is destroying the ocean. I love shells and have always been fascinated by the Niihau shells necklaces but I am learning more and more!
May 20Reply
kyetaka
@l_badri how wonderful to meet a fellow shell lover!
May 20Reply
kyetaka
@l_badri yeah, I can’t think too much about the oceans or I want to cry— I do advocate for them and donate and all of that— it always seems like so little in the face of the enormity of it. I’m truly grateful this issue seems to be getting on peoples radar. Gives me hope 😊
May 20Reply
l_badri
@kyetaka it is very sad hopefully we can change before it’s too late. Do you know the time period for these shells? I have seen yellow ones like this as well but not sure if those are old or not.
May 20Reply
kyetaka
@l_badri I know the ones you are talking about. The yellows are still being produced, along with bleached whites. I think they are coming out of the Philippines although they are sold as tourist pieces in a variety of places. Some are older, but it can be tricky to tell online- so much depends on how/what it was strung on and the nature of the closure…
May 20Reply
kyetaka
@l_badri I actually have an authentic 60’s yellow, but had an event and deactivated the listing and then never renewed it (this is a good reminder). There are still a few new true pikake necklaces like this one being crafted, by native Hawaiian lei makers, as well, and they run anywhere from 1700 to 4000, and there are older greens as well, although, again, tricky.
May 20Reply
l_badri
@kyetaka so much to learn! You should really write a blog if you ever have time. There isn’t a lot of info out there. Thank you for a answering my questions!
May 20Reply
kyetaka
@l_badri of course, my pleasure and I hope I didn’t lead you astray! No- not a lot of info, as a whole. I’ve thought about doing a blog, and actually mean to, but I can’t even keep up with my Instagram! LoL it’s baaadddd I’ve got a home goods store that I’m going to mostly liquidate, so once that’s done I may have more time for other things. This is the hope.
May 20Reply
l_badri
@kyetaka oh no pressure!! Hahah you are just very knowledgeable and there isn’t much out there. There is more on Niihau shells but not the other vintage types. My Mom is Hawaiian and now that I started talking about shell necklaces to her she sent me this pic. Would you happen to know the age? My mom is 81 so she thinks it’s old but you never know . Ha
May 20Reply
l_badri
I realize there is no way to attach a pic
May 20Reply
kyetaka
@l_badri of course I’d be happy to look at it! Just make a listing in your closet and tag me @kyetaka and I’ll come take a peek (how fun)!
May 20Reply
kyetaka
@l_badri I know—!! I have a few pieces that are very rare— and I cant find information on them ANYWHERE… a fellow seller sent me a photo of one like mine and I’m like…uhhhhh…. Hahahaha theres always more to learn, for sure.
May 20Reply
l_badri
@kyetaka wow would love to see your rare ones. Ok I never listed before so hopefully I do it right
May 20Reply
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