Hello Linda,

I have been personally dealing with some of the lei makers from Ni'ihau plus
an insurance adjuster on just such necklaces.
You may want to visit my Shells Used in Making Ni'ihau Leis: "Lei Pupu 'o
Ni'ihau"  Page at:  http://www.manandmollusc.net/Niihau/Niihau-shells.html

If it is an old shell lei, it more than likely is a Ni'ihau lei.  However,
many such named leis are not made on Ni'ihau or from Ni'ihau shells.
Authentication I believe can still be done through the Bishop Museum.  If it
is the real deal and in good condition, you are not looking at hundreds of
dollars, it could be thousands of dollars so do try to get some good info on
it.

You will find many good Ni'ihau shell lei links on my pages as well.  Just
scroll down the page above.

All the best,
Avril Bourquin


-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
Linda Bush
Sent: November 8, 2005 12:01 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Value of a shell necklace


Hi, All!

Our club ran an ad in the newpaper to try to get new members, and of course
I'm getting a lot of calls from people who think they have a shell item of
immense value.

So, I offered to ask you about this.  The lady has a vintage shell necklace
from Hawaii, made of "Ni'ihau" shells.  Obviously, I don't know what the
species is.  Is this necklace of any value, other than as a curio?

Thanks,
Linda

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