Each of these Gold Dipped Opihi bracelets features an original opihi shell found diving in Hawaii. We set each of these petite shells on a 24kt gold electroplated setting, with 14kt gold fill chain and clasp. Each bracelet is adjustable up to 7.5”, as the clasp clips onto any of the links. (Select additional length upon checkout if you need a longer length.) We added a tiny chalcedony stone at the end of the chain for a perfect little homage to the sea.

Often called the “fish of death”— the Hawaiian Opihi is a shell with one of the longest histories of being collected. Ancient Hawaiians were known to harvest this shell for a delicacy to eat, fertilizer, using it later for tools and jewelry. This limpet is known to adhere to rocks along the most turbulent coastal edges, making it oftentimes dangerous for Opihi collectors to find live Opihi to eat. The Opihi we use in our jewelry is sourced from shells that have washed ashore— we never take live shells for our jewelry.

Why buy from Flotsam & Co? Flotsam & Co. is the original designer to use this unique 24kt Gold Dipped or “Electroplated” process with found items like sunrise shells, seaglass, shark’s teeth and other sea treasure! We are both the divers as well as the artists, and all of our pieces are handmade in our studio. We treat each piece like a work of art— and no two are the same.

MATERIALS |
✦ Natural Opihi Shell (Found in Hawaii)
Metal ✦ 24kt Gold Dipped (Gold Electroplated setting) with 14kt Gold Fill Chain