Handcrafted Puka Shell Earrings Capture the Essence of Hawaiian Style

The Beauty and History of Puka Shell Earrings

Puka shell earrings hold a special meaning in Hawaiian culture. "Puka" means "hole" in Hawaiian, referring to the naturally occurring holes found in these tiny shells. For centuries, Hawaiians have hand-picked puka shells and strung them together to create beautiful leis and jewelry.

In recent decades, puka shell jewelry has exploded in popularity far beyond the Hawaiian islands. The simplicity and natural origin of the shells gives puka jewelry a relaxed, beachy look and feel. Puka shell earrings in particular have become a staple accessory to capture the essence of the Hawaiian lifestyle.

Gathering the Perfect Puka Shells

Authentic puka shell earrings are made using real shells hand-picked straight from the beaches of Hawaii. Small puka shells ranging from rice-sized to pea-sized are ideal for lightweight earrings.

The shells come in white, orange, brown and mixed shades, each with a naturally occurring hole from where little creatures once inhabited the shell. This small hole is what defines the shells as "pukas."

Gathering these perfect shells takes patience and an eagle eye. Many enjoy going on leisurely strolls along the beach combing for the best puka shells ideal for jewelry making.

Stringing Techniques for Puka Earrings

Once enough little shells are collected, the real work begins. To make authentic puka shell earrings by hand requires some simple jewelry making materials and techniques.

The first step is cutting lengths of durable beading cord to attach the puka shells. An arm-length is usually sufficient for a pair of earrings. Stronger nylon coated cable cord can be used for a long lasting accessory.

Shells should be strung one by one, taking care not to skip any holes. The uneven shapes and sizes of natural shells makes this a more time consuming process than using identical beads.

Some prefer knotting between each shell to keep them securely in place. Others choose to only knot before and after a sequence of shells, which creates a more fluid look.

Creating Wire Wrapped Hoops

Once the shells are strung, they must be attached to a wire wrapped hoop to create the earring. Craft stores sell earring wires and findings for this purpose.

Sterling silver or gold filled wires are best for preventing tarnishing over time. The wire is bent into a small circular shape leaving a gap for the beading cord to pass through.

To firmly hold the cord in place, the wire hoop is tightly wrapped around the cord's loop several times. Round nose and chain nose pliers help grip the small wire hoop for easier wrapping.

Excess cord is trimmed off before wrapping the very end around the base of the earring finding as the final step. Repeat the same process to create a matching second earring.

Unique Designs with Puka Shells

The bright white and orange hues of real puka shells pair beautifully with 14k gold or sterling silver findings. They also complement natural stones like jade, obsidian, malachite and tiger's eye in jewelry designs.

Some creative ways to incorporate puka shells into handmade earrings include:

• Multi-colored strands of puka shells
• Puka shell tassel or fringe earrings
• Wire wrapped puka shell drops
• Mixing tiny puka shell with gemstones

Reconstructing the shells into interesting new shapes is also popular. Small flat puka shells are cut and pieced together into hearts, stars or letters to spell out names or words.

Preserving the Life of Puka Shell Jewelry

As a natural product of the ocean, puka shells have a porcelain-like fragility requiring gentle care. Avoid getting the earrings wet as moisture erodes the delicate shells over time.

When not being worn, store the puka shell earrings in a dry jewelry box separately from harder gemstones and metals that could scratch their surface.

Periodically change out the beading cord or wire as it starts to lose elasticity. Re-stringing the shells helps extend the life of your special handmade puka shell earrings.

Bring Home the Hawaiian Vacation Feeling

Handmade jewelry infused with natural shells, wood and fibers are at the heart of the bohemian style favored by free spirits and world travelers.

There is no accessory quite as quintessentially Hawaiian as the delicate little puka shell. Slipping on a pair of wire wrapped puka shell earrings inspires dreams of walking barefoot on golden sand beaches while gentle waves lap at your feet.

Bring home lasting happy memories from your Hawaiian getaway. Infuse your everyday style with the laidback, beachy essence of the islands. Let hand strung puka shell earrings become your lifetime souvenir and connection to paradise.

FAQs

What are puka shell earrings?

Puka shell earrings are made from small white or orange shells found on Hawaiian beaches. The shells have naturally occurring holes, called "pukas." Jewelry makers string the shells by hand onto cord and attach earring wires to create bohemian-inspired puka shell earrings.

How do you care for puka shell earrings?

Avoid getting puka shell earrings wet as the moisture can slowly erode the delicate shells. Store them in a dry jewelry box separately from harder metals and gemstones that could scratch them. Periodically re-string the shells onto new beading cord to help extend the life of the earrings.

What jewelry findings work best for puka shells?

Sterling silver and 14k gold plated findings are ideal for preventing tarnish over time. Earring wires, clasps, and spacers made with these higher quality metals are best for protecting your handmade puka shell jewelry.

Can puka shell earrings be worn in the pool or ocean?

It's best not to wear puka shell earrings while swimming. Even brief water exposure can start to erode and discolor the delicate shells. Instead, choose inexpensive fashion earrings that you don't mind getting ruined for days at the beach or pool.