Hawaiian Sunrise shell earrings

These shells are known as Sunrise shells because they're easiest to spot in the early morning and they resemble a Hawaiian sunrise. They are unique to Hawaii. It is one of the islands rarest shells and their value can run into hundreds of dollars each. Most are the size of a dime or smaller, but the larger ones can measure 1 ¾ inches wide. Pictured below, is a sampling of some of the sunrise shells we use in creating our heirloom leis and earrings. These sunrise shells range in size from approximately 17 mm to 31 mm.

Sunrise shells pictured below range in size approximately 12-18 mm. Wire material: 14k Gold filled & .925 Sterling silver.

http://www.janjirarities.com/sunrise.html#hawaiisunrise

Size comparisons: Sunrise shell 30 mm = US Fifty cent piece Sunrise shell 24 mm = US Quarter Sunrise shell 21 mm = US Nickle Sunrise shell 19 mm = US Penny Sunrise shell 17 mm = US Dime