Puka Shell Necklace w/Large Pukas of selected Lavender Colors & Hues Vintage 70s

Description

View Puka Shell Necklace w/Large Pukas of selected Lavender Colors & Hues Vintage 70s with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. Puka shells start out as Cone shells. 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. Hawaiian Puka Shell necklace vintage 70s with selected matching lavender colors & hues and distinctive large 23.812mm Center Pieces and a variety of large, graduated 22.225mm to 11.112mm Pukas strung back-to-back to accentuate the lavender colors and hues.   If for any reason this particular necklace or any of these shop’s listed necklaces doesn’t meet what you’re looking for, let me create a custom necklace to your liking.   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 (Please read my story and the story about this authentic never owned or worn 70s necklace further down below in this section.)   T O ∙ O W N ∙ A N D ∙ A D O R N         O R ∙ T O ∙ G I F T        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. ‘Puka Jewelry Creations’, established Oahu, Hawaii 1974, makes it possible for you to have and own the timeless beauty of nature’s Puka Shells.  Order your One-of-a-Kind Vintage 70s Puka Shell Necklace today!   H O W ∙ T O ∙ O R D E R       CUSTOMIZE NECKLACE LENGTH OPTION: You can have the necklace shortened or lengthened to your desired length, by my adding or reducing the necklace Puka Shells: Message me with your preferred NECKLACE LENGTH and I’ll make a Private Listing, Custom Order for you.    O T H E R ∙ I N F O R M A T I O N    • Materials: Hawaiian Puka Shells • Necklace length: 20-1/4” • Number of Puka Shells: 88 • Puka Shell Color: A variety of lavender colors and hues • Special Design Feature: Large 23.812mm Center Pieces and a variety of large, graduated Lavender colors and hues strung back-to-back to accentuate the colors       • Approximate Puka Shell Sizes: 23.812mm Large Center Pieces with graduated large 22.225mm to 20.637mm to 19.05mm to 18.256mm to 17.462mm to 16.668mm to 15.875mm to 15.081mm to 14.287mm to 13.4mm to 12.7mm to 11.906mm 11.112mm • Necklace Weight: About 5.1 oz.   • CLASP:  Silver Finish Barrel Clasp • OTHER CLASP OPTIONS: (Sterling Silver Hook & Eye Clasp- $3; OR Sterling Silver 13mm Lobster Claw Clasp-$10). Message me if you want the clasp changed and I’ll change the listing so you can purchase it with the Clasp you want. • 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, as Puka Jewelry Creations 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, my VINTAGE 70’s pukas that were used to create this 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 made that reserve available 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 eBay 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        Embrace the boho spirit and add a touch of vintage elegance to your ensemble. This necklace is a true embodiment of the 1970s era, radiating a sense of nostalgia and free-spirited vibes. Its unique charm makes it a cool and thoughtful gift for your husband, son, brother, wife, sister, daughter, mom or surfer friend. The natural beauty of seashells is undeniable, and this necklace showcases them in all their glory. The coastal ‘rugged’ look and rustic style, reminiscent of sun-kissed shores and tropical getaways, adds a touch of charm to any outfit. It's the perfect accessory for sea lovers and those who are drawn to the allure of the ocean. Whether it's a romantic beachside wedding or a casual tropical gathering, this necklace enhances the beauty of any occasion. Its timeless appeal and coastal ‘rugged’ look and rustic style make it a standout piece that complements your girlfriend’s individuality and love for all things oceanic. Let her feel the warmth of the tropics and the enchantment of seashells around her neck. Experience the rarity and uniqueness of this necklace, a true gem from the 1970s. It's a rare find that exudes authenticity and captures the essence of Hawaiian culture. Its coastal rustic style and natural allure make it a cherished keepsake, representing the beauty of the sea and the memories it holds. Embrace the spirit of Hawaiian jewelry and the captivating allure of Puka Shells. This necklace is more than just an accessory—it's a symbol of love, celebration, and connection to tropical paradise. Order your own aesthetic Puka Shell necklace today and let its natural beauty and vintage charm create a lasting impression. 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. It will also make a great gift idea for a loved one or friend. Wear a piece of Hawaii.   Enjoy a 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, 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.   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.   BUYER’S CAUTION: ATTENTION Puka Necklace Buyers ATTENTION Puka Necklace Buyers:      Based on my search results for ‘Puka Shell’ Necklaces, 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 are found primarily in the Hawaiian Islands, and only at a very limited few other beaches around the world, 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 is 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 shell’s top remnant called the ‘puka’ shell.  (See my description 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 if 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 convex and concave 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! © 2026 All images are copyrighted by ‘Ocean Jewels’ Hawaii.  All rights reserved. Condition: New without packaging. Category: Jewelry & Watches › Vintage & Antique Jewelry › Necklaces & Pendants. Brand: Puka Jewelry Creations.

Main Stone Creation

Natural

Closure

Barrel

Occasion

Anniversary, Birthday, Christening, Christmas, Confirmation/Communion, Engagement, Father's Day, Graduation, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Wedding

Color

Lavender & Lavender Hued

Material

Shell

Year Manufactured

1970-1979

Main Stone Color

Lavender & Lavender Hued

Materials sourced from

United States

Necklace Length

20.25 in

Jewelry Department

Fashion

Main Stone

Shell

Vintage

Yes

Brand

Puka Jewelry Creations

Type

Necklace

Unit Type

Unit

Era

1970s

Main Stone Shape

Round

Style

Beaded, Choker, Statement

Theme

Beach, Bohemian, Nature

Original/Reproduction

Original

Unit Quantity

1

Country of Origin

United States

Handmade

Yes

Chain Type

Wire