Can’t find the one?
Thin and fan-shaped, sunrise shells live in deep water and rarely wash ashore; in Hawaiʻi they are seen as symbols of strength, protection, and hope. This Hawaiian sunrise shell jewelry is handmade in 14k gold-filled or sterling silver on the North Shore of Oʻahu.
No two are alike. Yellow-orange shells are the classic sunrise, green-yellow shells are known as moonrise, and deep red-orange shells are the rarest. Each is set as a statement necklace or an everyday ring, hoop, or cuff, most one of one, exactly as shown.
A closer look at their colors is in the guide to Hawaiian sunrise shells.
Sunrise shell
Sunrise shells are found only in Hawaiʻi, usually 80 feet or more underwater, and only now and then wash up on the beach. In Hawaiian culture they stand for strength, protection and hope. I free-dive for the few I can collect myself; the rest come to me from friends and family on the North Shore.
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Questions
Why are sunrise shells so rare?
They live in deep water, so most are never seen, and the ones that wash ashore are often broken or worn. A whole shell with strong color is a lucky find, and red-orange shells are harder to come by than yellow-orange ones.
What is the difference between a sunrise shell and a moonrise shell?
They're the same kind of shell in different colors. Warm yellow-orange shells are called sunrise, and cooler green-yellow ones are called moonrise.
Can I wear my sunrise shell necklace in the water?
The 14k gold-filled and sterling silver are made to be worn in the water, and the shell is naturally waterproof but needs gentle care. Rinse it with fresh water after the ocean, and store it out of direct sunlight so the color stays bright.