Puka shells have been popular since I was a child, and every year since we've had the bead store, and living in Hawaii has a LOT to do with it! It's a shell bead that's synonymous with Hawaii, and every aunty and uncle has a story about growing up wearing them, and having stored them somewhere in their house for decades :)
Beachgoers and jewelry enthusiasts are enthused about finding, collecting and wearing these shells (though they are quite hard to find nowadays) with their simple beauty and oceanic charm. But what exactly are these iconic shells, and how did they become so popular in fashion and decor?
First of all, how are they made!!
They're actually naturally occurring beads formed from cone snail shells.
Here's how they're created:
- Cone snails live and die in tropical waters, leaving their shells behind.
- Ocean waves and currents tumble these shells against coral reefs and rocky shorelines.
- This constant motion wears away the spiral tip of the shell.
- Eventually, only the strong circular base remains - the puka shell!
While I wore these for years, I only recently realized how the holes were formed and wanted to share that info! I remember how popular they were in the 70's, with everyone wearing them from the idols in Teen Beat magazine, to my mom's hippie friends! They are still recognized by surf culture, and worn by those that like the remembrance of SUN, SAND and laid back island life!
It's such a pleasure to wear a piece of the ocean whenever we want! Along with sunrise shells and cone shells, we LOVE puka shells and use them like we would any other precious bead, mixed with gemstones, strung with pearls, as focals on wire components and rings - puka shells - we love you!! :)