Description: G E N U I N E ∙ H A W A I I A N P U K A ∙ S H E L L ∙ N E C K L A C E A U T H E N T I C ∙ V I N T A G E ∙ 7 0s (Read the story about this authentic never owned or worn 70s necklace further down below in this section.) Designed for the faithful and tropical sea lovers, this Vintage 70s Hand-Shaped Tiger Cowrie Shell ‘CROSS’ Pendant Puka Necklace is a symbol of the eternal connection between the wearer, the ocean, and the islands. As you adorn your neck with its authentic 20.6mm-9.5mm Puka Shells in a variety of colors and shapes with their unique charm, you'll feel a sense of tranquility and serenity washing over you, reminding you of the rhythmic ebb and flow of the sea. Indulge in the coastal charm and embrace the laid-back spirit of the Hawaiian Islands with this captivating religious Beach Choker necklace. Handcrafted with love and attention to detail, it is the perfect fusion of boho elegance and tropical allure, making it a delightful gift for yourself or a loved one. YOU CAN MAKE A BEST OFFER FOR THIS ITEM by messaging me your offer for your selected variation of the 6 variation options below, and I will respond by messaging you an acceptance or counter offer discounted price. ATTENTION Puka Necklace Buyers: Based on my eBay search results for ‘Puka Shell Necklace’, I discovered that many of the ‘puka’ necklaces listed that state they are a ‘puka’ necklace containing ‘puka’ shells are NOT Puka Shells! Though most of those necklaces are beautiful shell necklaces, they are not puka shell necklaces. Puka shells are distinct from any other kind of shell or beach shell remnant, and that is why they have such high value. A’ PUKA SHELL’ is created by nature from a particular species of mollusk shell (the Cone Shell) after the animal inside the shell has died, and not manufactured by man. The ‘puka’ shell is created after decades of tumbling in the surf and sand for that Cone Shell mollusk to be worn down to the remnant of the shell called the ‘puka’ shell. (See my description below of ‘the definition of the Hawaiian word ‘Puka’.) Puka shells are disc shaped like a ‘contact lens’, but much thicker, with the outside of the shell curved outward (convex) and inside of the shell curved inward (concaved). The larger the puka shell size the thicker the shell. Some puka shells have irregular shapes that are not as round-disc shaped but have the same convex and concaved sides. If you want to know that what you’re looking at in a listing is actually made of genuine ‘puka’ shells, those shells should look like the shells in this necklace. Have a typical disc shape and thickness, and in addition to white, can come in a variety of colors, hues and patterns, in sizes from 2mm to over 30mm. Necklaces made of small puka shells will still look the same as large puka shells, but just a smaller version. BUYER BEWARE! V I N T A G E ∙ 1 9 7 0’ s ∙ C O L L E C T I O N VINTAGE ∙ BUT ∙ MODERN ∙ SHELL ∙ JEWELRY H O W ∙ T O ∙ O R D E R Necklace May Be Purchased Without Pendant – OR – Choose a different Hand-Shaped Tiger Cowrie Shell Pendant from the following shapes: HEART, TEARDROP, ROUND, SQUARE, DIAMOND. Let me know the Pendant shape you want, and I’ll make a custom order for you. CUSTOMIZE NECKLACE LENGTH OPTION: You can have the necklace shortened or lengthened to your desired length, by my adding or reducing the necklace shells: Message me with your preferred NECKLACE LENGTH and I’ll make a Private Listing, Custom Order for you. - O R – • SELECT THE EXTENDER OPTION if you want to add length to this 16” choker necklace: Add up to an extra 4-1/4 inches to your necklace with an EXTENDER. With Pendant (W/P) & Without Pendant (WO/P) Select here for necklace WITH PENDANT (W/P) NECKLACE LENGTH OPTION: Select an option • (W/P) WITHOUT EXTENDER: 16” Necklace length NO EXTENDER ($124.00) • (W/P) WITH Sterling Silver Hook & Eye Clasp & 2” EXTENDER: 16” to 18” adjustable length ($126.50) • (W/P) WITH Sterling Silver Hook & Eye Clasp & 4-1/4” EXTENDER: 16” to 20-1/4” adjustable length ($129.00) Select here for necklace WITHOUT PENDANT (WO/P) NECKLACE LENGTH OPTION: Select an option • (WO/P) WITHOUT EXTENDER: 16” Necklace length NO EXTENDER ($110.00) • (WO/P) WITH Sterling Silver Hook & Eye Clasp & 2” EXTENDER: 16” to 18” adjustable length ($112.50) • (WO/P) WITH Sterling Silver Hook & Eye Clasp & 4-1/4” EXTENDER: 16” to 20-1/4” adjustable length ($115.00) O T H E R ∙ I N F O R M A T I O N • Materials: Hawaiian Puka Shells, LARGE Hand-Shaped Tiger Cowrie Shell ‘CROSS’ Pendant • Necklace Length: 16” • Number of Puka Shells: 108 • Puka Shell Size: Approx. 20.637, 17.462mm, 16.668mm, 15.875mm, 15.081mm, 14.287mm, 13.4mm, 12.7mm, 9.525mm • Puka Shell Color: Variety of colors • Hand-Shaped LARGE Tiger Cowrie Shell ‘CROSS’ Pendant: Approx. 31mm Wide x 42mm High • Pendant Bail Wire: Copper • Special Design Feature: Pukas in a variety of colors and shapes strung & Tiger Cowrie Shell ‘CROSS’ Pendant • Necklace Weight: About 3.2 oz. • CLASP: Silver Finish Barrel Clasp • Chain Style: Bead • Style: Boho & Hippie • Condition NEW Never owned or worn • All items are nicely packaged ready to gift in gift boxes. T U R N ∙ A R O U N D ∙ T I M E • This item is ready to ship in 1 – 2 business days via USPS Ground Advantage Mail. USPS Ground Advantage Mail from Hawaii to the U.S. Mainland typically takes 3 – 6 business days. T H I S ∙ V I N T A G E ∙ N E C K L A C E’ S ∙ S T O R Y – N E W – N E V E R ∙ O W N E D ∙ O R ∙ W O R N H A N D ∙ M A D E ∙ I N ∙ 1 9 7 6 As one of the major ‘Hawaii Movers & Shakers’ of the 70s worldwide Puka Shell craze, I sold thousands of puka necklaces from 1974 through 1976 with my Waikiki retail shop and wholesale to Hawaii and U.S. mainland retail stores. (It’s possible I’m the only one of those 70s ‘Hawaii Movers & Shakers’ still alive!) However, in 1976 the Philippines flooded the market with thousands of cheap, so called, puka shell necklaces. Though some of the necklaces were made of puka shells harvested from islands in the Philippines, most were unauthentic ’manufactured’ necklaces made by collecting thousands living cone shell mollusks; then killing the animal in the shell; then cutting off the very top of the cone shell (the part of the cone shell that would naturally become a puka shell after the animal dies and the shell tumbles in the ocean over many decades), then polishing the edges to give the cut shell the appearance of an ocean polished puka shell. Unfortunately, the people who were buying puka shell necklaces at that time were ignorant of those facts, having no idea what they were actually buying. Due to the flooding of the market with those cheap imported necklaces in 1976 I closed my business, and before it was offered for sale, this VINTAGE 70’s necklace along with my other shell jewelry creations at the time WERE STORED IN RESERVE. Then, 47 years later in 2023 I became aware of the new popularity of Hawaiian Puka Shell Necklaces again. So, I opened and made available that reserve to the public, so they too can enjoy my unique vintage ‘Puka Jewelry Creations’ along with my other vintage ‘Ocean Jewels Hawaii’ creations. This authentic Hawaiian handcrafted necklace was made in 1976 with Pukas collected on the Waianae Coast, Oahu, Hawaii in 1976 as were all the other necklaces listed in this shop, and has been stored in reserve, untouched and unseen, until now. This makes it a unique piece of vintage jewelry, a timeless beauty that has never been owned or worn. NOTE: Along with the hundreds of necklaces I stored in reserve and are now offering in my Etsy shop, were an assortment of thousands of unstrung pukas, that enables me to also make custom necklaces to your design requirements with vintage 70s pukas. T O ∙ O W N ∙ A N D ∙ A D O R N O R ∙ T O ∙ G I F T For your beloved wife, mom, or girlfriend, this necklace is a heartfelt expression of your love and appreciation. Its authentic charm and exquisite craftsmanship make it an ideal anniversary or Valentine’s gift that will forever hold a special place in her heart. With its boho Hawaiian vibe, this necklace effortlessly captures the essence of the island's laid-back lifestyle. Its delicate Puka Shells and unique Coconut Shell Heishi spacers, lovingly handpicked and strung together, create a mesmerizing pattern that embodies the carefree spirit of summer and the beauty of nature. Surprise your boyfriend or husband with this unique Puka Shell necklace, designed to enhance his cool and surfer-inspired style. It’s shells and vintage handmade charm will surely make him stand out in any crowd, while the necklace serves as a constant reminder of your affection and admiration. Women will adore the summer jewelry vibes this necklace exudes. Its beachy appeal and tropical essence make it a perfect accessory for birthdays or any special occasion. As it delicately graces their neckline, it becomes a statement piece that radiates their unique style and free-spirited nature. Unveil the beauty of this rare find Puka Shell necklace, a testament to the ocean's allure and the wonders of nature. Its coastal-inspired design and authentic craftsmanship make it a true treasure, serving as a symbol of your appreciation for the natural world and your love for all things beachy. Capture the essence of the Hawaiian Islands and celebrate the love of the sea with this exquisite Beach Choker necklace. Its boho Hawaiian gifts style, handmade authenticity, and captivating beauty make it an exceptional piece of jewelry that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who wears it or receives it as a cherished gift. Don't settle for a generic piece of jewelry that anyone can buy. Give a gift that's truly special and unique, just like the person you're giving it to. Order your One-of-a-Kind Puka Shell Necklace today! Perfect to wear with anything, any season. A bold statement piece for all occasions. Vintage but modern shell jewelry. Very versatile and timeless piece that will last for years to come. Puka Shell Necklaces are making a comeback. This Hawaiian Puka Shell Necklace has the classic design we all loved from back in the day. Perfect to wear with anything. This beauty will dress up any outfit & would be a great addition to any jewelry collection. You can wear this piece in the day or dress it up at night. It will also make a great gift idea for a loved one or friend. Wear a piece of Hawaii wherever you go. Enjoy a little piece of the islands right from your own home. This Puka Shell Necklace is perfect for a variety of occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, Easter, Valentine’s, or Christmas. It's a great way to show mom, dad, sister, brother, son, daughter, wife, girlfriend, or any other loved one just how special they are to you. And because it's made from natural materials, you can feel good about giving a gift that’s made from nature’s creation and beauty. Not only is this Vintage Puka Shell Necklace a great One-of-a-Kind piece of jewelry, it's also a work of art. This means that you or the person you give this necklace will have a piece of jewelry that is completely unique to you or them, just like you and they are. T H E ∙ W O R D ∙ ‘P U K A’ The word "puka" means ‘hole’ in Hawaiian. Puka shells start out as Cone shells. After the Cone shell’s animal dies, the shell tumbles in the ocean and sand until they become natural little disks with holes in the center – natural ocean jewels. Puka shells are found here on the beaches and chosen because of a naturally created hole in the center, usually caused by the top of the shell being broken off after many decades of tumbling in the ocean and crashing in the surf resulting in the opening of the center of the shell. Then tumbling in the surf and sand gently smoothing all the rough edges. Hawaii’s Marine Biologists state, except for the very small ‘baby’ pukas that can take a decade or more to form, it often takes 50 to 100 years, or longer for some, to form the final puka shell found on Hawaii’s beaches. Each puka shell is so special and unique, no two are alike, and each hold so much ocean history. They have natural grooves and divots as well as worn areas because they are a natural, not a manufactured material. Owning a Puka Shell Necklace is owning a unique piece of the ocean’s history. I have always loved the natural beauty of the colors and patterns of shells and the uniqueness of each shell. I consider them ‘the jewels of the ocean’. I wanted to share the beauty of what nature, and the ocean created with others by creating beautiful shell pendants, earrings, necklaces, leis, and bracelets to emphasize the colors and patterns of these ocean jewels. The appeal and beauty of shells inspired ancient Hawaiians to adorn themselves with these natural jewels of the ocean. Now, ‘Ocean Jewels’ Hawaii makes it possible for you to have and own the timeless beauty of Puka Shells. You are more than a customer. We are Ohana (a family). Your happiness and satisfaction are very important to me. If you've any questions do not hesitate to contact me. It's my pleasure to help you. ❤️ Mahalo nui loa (Thank you very much) for checking out my eBay shop. NOTE: I have googled for ‘Puka Shell Necklaces’, and unfortunately, I have found many sellers that are representing their necklace as “genuine Hawaiian puka shells”, when they aren’t even made with puka shells. Most are made with what I would call ‘Shell Heishi’, where they cut up white shells and sometimes shape and polish them into round beads, which is usually known a ‘Heishi’ in the industry. Other non-puka shell necklaces are made from this process: They collect thousands of live ’baby’ cone shell mollusks, then kill the animal in the shell; then cut off the very top of the shell (the part of the cone shell that would naturally become a puka shell after the animal dies), sometimes polishing the bottom and edges and string them together calling them puka shell necklaces. BUYER BEWARE! © 2023/2024 All images are copyrighted by ‘Ocean Jewels’ Hawaii. All rights reserved.
Price: 110 USD
Location: Aiea, Hawaii
End Time: 2024-11-07T00:06:46.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Pendant Shape: Cross
Closure: Barrel
Occasion: Anniversary, Birthday, Christening, Christmas, Confirmation/Communion, Engagement, Father's Day, Graduation, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Wedding
Year Manufactured: 1970-1979
Main Stone Color: Assorted Colors
Secondary Stone: Cowrie Shell
Necklace Length: 16" to 20-1/4" Adjustable Option
Jewelry Department: Fashion
Main Stone: Shell
Vintage: Yes
Unit Type: Unit
Main Stone Shape: Variable Shapes
Style: Beaded, Pendant
Features: Adjustable
Unit Quantity: 1
Handmade: Yes
Chain Type: Wire
Main Stone Creation: Natural
Color: Assorted Colors
Material: Shell
Brand: Puka Jewelry Creations
Type: Necklace
Era: 1970s
Theme: Beach, Bohemian, Nature
Original/Reproduction: Original
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Country of Origin: United States
Available Variations
Color: (W/P) NO EXTENDER: 16” length
Price: 124 USD
Available Quantity: 1
Quantity Sold: 0
Color: (W/P) EXT 16” to 18” adjustable
Price: 126.5 USD
Available Quantity: 1
Quantity Sold: 0
Color: (W/P) EXT 16” to 20-1/4” adjustable
Price: 129 USD
Available Quantity: 1
Quantity Sold: 0
Color: (WO/P) NO EXTENDER: 16” length
Price: 110 USD
Available Quantity: 1
Quantity Sold: 0
Color: (WO/P) EXT 16” to 18” adjustable
Price: 112.5 USD
Available Quantity: 1
Quantity Sold: 0
Color: (WO/P) EXT 16” to 20-1/4” adjustable
Price: 115 USD
Available Quantity: 1
Quantity Sold: 0
